Derek McInnes Disappointed by Celtic v Rangers Away Fans Decision
Derek McInnes admits he is disappointed by the decision to lock out away fans from Celtic v Rangers league fixtures for the rest of the season, insisting derbies are “always better” with both supports inside the stadium.
The Kilmarnock manager was asked for his reaction after it was confirmed that there will be no away allocations for any remaining SPFL meetings between the Glasgow rivals this term, following talks with the league.
The move comes in the wake of the ugly flashpoints at Ibrox last season after a Scottish Cup tie between the clubs. Ahead of next weekend’s Premier Sports Cup clash at Ibrox, Rangers had proposed a reduced away allocation, only for Celtic to reject the offer. Discussions with the SPFL ended with a far more drastic outcome: no away fans at all in league Old Firm games for the rest of the campaign.
McInnes learned of the development in real time.
“I noticed the news on the Sky ticker tape there,” he said at his Friday press conference. “First reaction is that it is disappointing that it has been made.
“Without commenting too much because I don't know the club's position on it at the moment, I think it is more appropriate that the club speaks on it.
“But it's always better when the opposition fans are allowed into a derby game.
“But whether that can be... there has still got to be behaviours met and obviously the decision has been made.
“I don't know, I haven't spoken to anyone at the club regarding that so I can't really comment any more than that.”
The decision strips one of world football’s most volatile fixtures of a key ingredient: the noise, colour and hostility generated by a travelling support hemmed into a corner of Ibrox or Celtic Park. It also underlines how fragile the current relationship between the clubs remains, even with a title race and trophies on the line.
