Big Old Firm away allocations currently not workable, say Police Scotland
#Police Scotland #Old Firm #away allocations #football safety #Rangers #Celtic #crowd control #ticketing
📌 Key Takeaways
- Police Scotland states current away fan allocations for Old Firm matches are not feasible.
- The issue involves safety and operational concerns for high-profile football fixtures.
- This stance may impact future ticket distributions for Rangers vs. Celtic games.
- Authorities are likely seeking revised arrangements to manage crowd control.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
Sports Security, Football Regulations
📚 Related People & Topics
Ranger
Topics referred to by the same term
A ranger is typically someone in a law enforcement or military/paramilitary role specializing in patrolling a given territory, called "ranging" or "scouting". The term most often refers to: Park ranger or forest ranger, a person charged with protecting and preserving protected parklands and forests...
Police Scotland
Police service of Scotland
Police Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Poileas Alba), officially the Police Service of Scotland (Seirbheis Phoilis na h-Alba), is the territorial police force responsible for law enforcement and crime prevention in Scotland. It was formed in 2013, through the merging of eight regional police forces in Sc...
Old Firm
Prominent rivalry in Scottish football
The Old Firm is a collective term for the Scottish football clubs Celtic and Rangers, which are both based in Glasgow. The two clubs are the most successful and popular in Scotland, and the rivalry between them has become deeply embedded in Scottish culture. It has reflected and contributed to polit...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This news matters because it directly impacts the safety and experience of tens of thousands of football fans who attend Old Firm matches between Celtic and Rangers, two of Scotland's most historic and passionately supported clubs. It affects public safety planning for one of the most high-risk sporting events in the UK, which has historically seen significant crowd trouble and requires extensive police resources. The decision influences club revenues, fan traditions, and the competitive atmosphere of these derbies, while also reflecting ongoing challenges in managing sectarian tensions in Scottish football.
Context & Background
- The Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers is one of world football's most intense rivalries, rooted in religious, political, and social divisions dating back over a century
- Away fan allocations at these matches have been restricted or eliminated multiple times in recent decades due to safety concerns, most notably during the 2018-2019 season when away supporters were banned entirely
- Police Scotland typically deploys over 1,000 officers for Old Firm matches at an estimated cost of £500,000 per game, making it one of the most policed sporting events in the country
- Previous incidents include pitch invasions, missile throwing, and sectarian chanting that have led to arrests and stadium bans
- The Scottish government has repeatedly pressured both clubs and football authorities to address sectarianism and improve safety at these matches
What Happens Next
Both clubs will need to negotiate with Police Scotland and the Scottish Professional Football League to find alternative safety solutions, potentially including reduced allocations, enhanced security measures, or staggered entry/exit times. The issue will likely be discussed at the next SPFL board meeting, with a decision needed before the next scheduled Old Firm match. If no agreement is reached, away fans may be excluded entirely for upcoming fixtures, which could lead to fan protests, reduced stadium atmospheres, and potential financial implications for both clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Police Scotland is stating that current away fan allocations at Old Firm matches present unacceptable safety risks that cannot be adequately managed with existing policing resources and stadium configurations. This typically refers to concerns about crowd control, segregation issues, and the potential for violent confrontations between rival supporters.
Traditionally, visiting teams receive approximately 700-800 tickets for away sections at Celtic Park and Ibrox Stadium, though this has varied over time. During periods of restriction, allocations have been reduced to as few as 200 tickets or eliminated completely depending on safety assessments.
While primarily focused on Celtic-Rangers fixtures, Police Scotland's stance could influence safety approaches for other high-risk derbies like Edinburgh's Hearts-Hibernian matches. However, Old Firm games represent a unique scale of policing challenge due to the size of fan bases and historical sectarian tensions.
Options include significantly reduced away allocations with enhanced segregation, mandatory coach travel for away fans, earlier kick-off times to reduce alcohol-related issues, or implementing 'bubble matches' where away fans are escorted directly to and from stadiums under police supervision.
Both Celtic and Rangers generally express disappointment while acknowledging safety concerns, often advocating for maintaining traditional away support to preserve match atmosphere. They typically engage in negotiations with authorities while also appealing to their fan bases for improved behavior.
Yes, away fans have been restricted or banned multiple times, most recently during the 2018-2019 season when no away supporters were permitted at Old Firm matches. These restrictions are usually temporary and reviewed seasonally based on risk assessments and fan behavior patterns.