Rangers Stadium Upgrades for Away Fans

Brendan Rodgers has publicly attributed the ongoing Old Firm ticket controversy to Rangers, asserting that Celtic is not responsible for the recent lockout of away fans. This statement comes in the wake of an agreement reached in March between both clubs, facilitated by the Scottish Professional Football League, to allow visiting supporters back into the stands for the first time since January 2023. Under the terms of this agreement, 2,500 Rangers fans were expected to attend the match at Celtic Park on September 1, with an equal number of Celtic supporters set to be welcomed at Ibrox on January 2. However, this arrangement was contingent upon necessary upgrades to both stadiums aimed at curbing incidents of public disorder and missile throwing that have plagued previous encounters. Rodgers emphasized that the responsibility for the current situation lies solely with Rangers, indicating that Celtic has complied with the agreed terms. The absence of away fans has sparked frustration among supporters eager to witness the fierce rivalry in person, raising questions about the effectiveness of the measures put in place to ensure safety during these high-stakes matches. As the situation develops, both clubs will need to address the concerns of their fan bases while ensuring that the integrity of the Old Firm fixture is maintained. The outcome of this dispute could have lasting implications for future matches and the relationship between the two clubs.