Celtic and Rangers agree to allocate 5% of stadiums to away fans in future Old Firm derbies

Celtic and Rangers will both provide around 5% of their stadiums’ capacities to away fans for Old Firm games from next season.

However the remaining two derby games between the Glasgow rivals this campaign will be continue to be played with no fans from the away side present.

The SPFL confirmed on Friday that both sides have come to an agreement to offer set allocations for the 2024/25 campaign.

That means there will be between 2500 and 3000 travelling supporters at Celtic Park and Ibrox for each of the four games played.

Celtic’s stadium holds 60,000, meaning 5% would be around 3,000, and for Rangers’ stadium it would be just over 2500 of the 50,000 seats will be occupied by Hoops fans.

But it is also possible that the clubs have agreed to a middle ground that would represent around 2,750 away fans at each stadium.

A statement from the SPFL released on Friday said: “Following engagement with both clubs, the SPFL is pleased to confirm that Rangers FC and Celtic FC will provide ticket allocations of around 5% for away supporters, for SPFL matches between the two clubs.

“This will be effective from Scottish Premiership season 2024/25, subject to all necessary requirements being satisfied at both Ibrox and Celtic Park.

“It does not affect the remaining two league matches between the clubs in season 2023/24, which will remain at a zero allocation for away supporters.”

The sides next meet at Ibrox a week on Sunday with the final derby of the season will be held at Celtic Park after the split.

With the league being so tight at the top the games will go a long way to deciding where the Premiership title will be headed.

Current champions Celtic are currently one point ahead at the top, but treble-chasing Rangers have a game in hand meaning they hold a slight advantage.

However the Hoops have won the two previous Old Firm games this season, a 1-0 win at Ibrox and 2-1 victory at Celtic Park, and if they can continue that form in the southside of Glasgow next week then the ball will be firmly back in their court.

Premiership action returns this weekend with Rangers hosting top-six chasing Hibs, who are undefeated in their last five league games, before Celtic travel to bottom side Livingston on Sunday and a ground that has proved a tricky place for them to go in the past.