Old Firm must make use of new freedoms
The news that Hearts fans will be allowed inside Ibrox on Saturday is a huge step in the right direction.
Almost 1,000 Jambos will be there to cheer on their team against Rangers in the top-of-the-table clash.
Due to Covid restrictions, clubs had to operate with a Red Zone area that took away chunks of seats inside stadiums. But they no longer apply.
It means the atmosphere inside Ibrox will be even greater, as having away supporters is a good thing.
Indeed, it’s essential.
I totally understand why there was a need to be cautious up until this point.
But now we are allowed that wee bit more freedom, we should use it wisely.
It’s clearly beneficial to have this decision, and I’m sure the respective managers, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Neilson, will welcome it.
I can now only hope that it spreads
around the country.
Of course I want to get back to the situation where Celtic had around 7,000 fans inside Ibrox, and Rangers had the same amount inside Celtic Park.
For the visiting fans to be denied access to Old Firm games is far from ideal. The bottom line is that it takes away from the occasion.
Rangers were the first club to implement this course of action, and Celtic followed suit.
Both should get around the table and sort it out.
Scottish football has a good product, and the Old Firm fixture is as good as anything, anywhere.
Let’s hope it’s not too long before James Tavernier and Callum Mcgregor run out as captains in an Old Firm game with both sets of fans in the ground.
This has gone on for too long and needs to be sorted out.
So Celtic and Rangers, please bring an end to this unfortunate and unnecessary situation.