Rangers Statement in Full on Celtic Park Supporter Lockout
Rangers have released a statement after news supporters are set to be locked out of the post-split derby match against Celtic.
The Ibrox club travel to Celtic Park on Sunday, May 10, but as it stands there will be no away supporters inside the stadium.
Celtic are thought to be withholding all away tickets after making a request for a guarantee that no Union Bears members would be sold briefs for the match.
Rangers are understood to have been left furious at the situation and are considering their options.
Now, a Rangers statement has been issued on the matter.
In full, it reads:
“Yesterday, Celtic FC informed us that they will not provide any tickets for the forthcoming game to our supporters unless we agree not to allocate tickets to members of the Union Bears.
We have firmly rejected those conditions and have referred the matter to the SPFL Board.
Rangers is fully committed to safety at football matches, and we have been clear in condemning the actions of certain individuals on 8 March. We have been attempting to work with Celtic to mitigate any security concerns for the upcoming match.
At a crucial stage of the season, the removal of away supporters from one of the defining fixtures of the competition would introduce a clear and material sporting imbalance. It would also set a precedent with potentially significant consequences for the league in future seasons.
This game is an opportunity for Scottish football to demonstrate that it can respond constructively to recent events. It should be a showcase occasion and a chance to rebuild confidence in how matches of this nature are managed.
We want what supporters of both clubs expect – a match decided on the pitch, with both sets of supporters present.
We ask the SPFL board to uphold the integrity of the competition, enforce the rules and ensure that the agreement in place between both clubs is honoured.”
