The REAL Losers of the Celtic and Rangers Away Fan Wars
The ongoing dispute between Celtic and Rangers over away fan tickets has been dubbed “tedious nonsense” by a jury. The issue has been a longstanding point of contention between the two clubs, with neither side willing to back down. But who are the real losers in this situation?
According to our top team, the answer is clear: the fans. “It’s a game of he-said-she-said,” says Andy Newport. “Celtic sources claim Rangers haven’t done enough to put in place requested security measures for the New Year derby, while the Ibrox club insists the work is in hand. And as usual, it’s the fans who suffer…”
Craig Swan agrees, saying “it doesn’t really matter” who is right or wrong. “The facts are it’s a poorer event without the visiting supporters.” Michael adds that “if Rangers don’t have the agreed plans in place right now then it’s understandable Celtic don’t want to risk issues in January. It’s just a bit sad – and tedious – this nonsense is still rumbling on after all these years.”
The away fan ticket wars are just one of several issues currently plaguing Scottish football. Rangers’ struggles on and off the pitch have led to a breakdown in trust between the club and its fans. “The mess Rangers find themselves in is utterly self-inflicted,” says Andy. “Winning back the trust of the punters won’t be easy. Rather than angry, most are just absolutely scunnered with the whole situation.”
But what can Rangers do to win back the fans? “There needs to be more transparency for a start,” says Michael. “Supporters deserved to know what’s going on and there are too many questions right now. Results on the pitch can detract from most problems though, but even that won’t be easy without solid foundations.”
Meanwhile, Celtic’s big-money signing of Adam Idah has raised eyebrows. Is the £9.5m price tag worth it for a player who will likely play second fiddle to Kyogo? “It’s a hefty sum, especially for a player who will most likely play second fiddle to Kyogo this season,” says Andy. “But Idah proved he could offer a different option at times – and crucially big goals at big moments. It’s a punt worth taking.”
Craig Swan agrees, saying “on the evidence of last season’s loan, there’s every reason to believe he will” deliver. Michael adds that “there’s no reason why not. It might be a decent chunk of money but Idah comes with no risk, as he’s already done the business for Celts.”
In other news, Kilmarnock’s European win over Lillestrom has been hailed as one of the club’s greatest continental achievements. But where does it rank in their history? “Scudding Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in 1965 and drawing with a Real Madrid side who were on their way to lifting a sixth European Cup 12 months later remain the club’s greatest continental achievements,” says Andy. “But Thursday night was nonetheless a result to be proud of for Derek McInnes’ men.”
Craig Swan says it’s “hard to rank, but sinking the Danes and making the group stage would be right up there.” Michael adds that “it’s Killie’s best win on the continent since the glory days of the 60s and if they can defy the odds and get past Copenhagen, it could be the best ever.”
Overall, it’s been a tumultuous week in Scottish football. But one thing is clear: the fans are the real losers in the away fan ticket wars. Let’s hope that sense prevails and the two clubs can come to an agreement that puts the supporters first.