Rangers supporters have been instructed to arrive at Celtic Park more than two hours before kick-off for this weekend’s Old Firm showdown and have also been warned that face coverings will not be permitted inside the stadium.
A travelling support of just over 2,000 Rangers fans will occupy the away section at Parkhead following weeks of dispute surrounding ticket allocation for the fixture.
Celtic had initially informed Rangers there would be no away supporters present after concerns over guarantees involving tickets potentially reaching the Union Bears ultras group.
The request followed the fallout from the chaotic Scottish Cup clash at Ibrox in April, where supporters from both clubs entered the pitch after Celtic’s dramatic penalty shootout triumph.
Rangers later agreed to the conditions after the ultras group stepped aside from the allocation arrangement. Since then, supporters travelling to Parkhead have been encouraged to create an “away end blackout” inside the stadium.
The 2,268 Rangers fans attending the match have now been advised to gather at the east side of Celtic Park from 9.30am ahead of the 12pm kick-off.
An official statement from the club also warned that any supporters arriving after 10am, two hours before the game begins, could potentially be “held until after kickoff.”
Away fans have additionally been informed they may be kept inside the stadium for up to 25 minutes after full-time, depending on what was described as a “dynamic decision by Police Scotland on the day.”
Security around the match is expected to be extremely high following the disorder that overshadowed the previous Old Firm meeting at Ibrox earlier this year.
Supporters have also been handed a detailed list of banned items ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
Among the prohibited items are face coverings, particularly after several individuals involved in the pitch invasion at Ibrox used them to hide their identities.
Fans have also been told they cannot bring reinforced gloves, drums, megaphones, flagpoles or flags larger than 2m x 1m into the ground.
Pyrotechnics have also been strictly prohibited, with supporters warned that anyone found carrying them will face immediate arrest.
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