BBC pundit issues Rangers and Celtic fan allocation admission ahead of Old Firm derby

Before Rangers and Celtic square off on December 30, Peter Martin and Lee McCulloch talked about the

distribution of away fans at Old Firms.

Speaking on PLZ Soccer Show, both agreed that the spectators’ support is what really elevates a football game to a spectacle.

Away fans are not permitted at any Old Firm games in the current season, however there have been talks to change the attendance figures.

Martin started the discussion by stating: “7000 Rangers fans and 7000 Celtic fans – it’s what made it special.

I accept that there are poisoned elements who just continually spew their sectarian nonsense but

there was an element of colour. It had that cackling cacophony of sound and it was a real spectacle.”

On December 22, at 21:56, BBC pundit McCulloch stated: “[It’s a] tremendous occasion when the away

team has got the proper allocation.” The away end is where the away supporters congregate.

When you first glimpse the sea of green and then the blue at Ibrox after passing through the tunnel.

Everything is just so much better when it’s on TV—the setting, the occasion, the viewing experience.

Hopefully, they can find a solution.

Martin and McCulloch’s words emphasize how important supporters are to the special spectacle that

is football, especially when it comes to the Old Firm rivalry.

Restoring the historic atmosphere and improving the overall experience for players and spectators alike

can be achieved by allowing both groups of fans back into the stadiums with the appropriate allocations.

It is a fact that the colorful combination of hundreds or maybe thousands of Rangers and Celtics supporters

produces a spectacle unlike any other.

In addition to the emotional bond, returning supporters may have positive financial effects, increasing

club income and stimulating local economies.

Accepting the difficulties, addressing security issues by stepping up police presence enables a middle ground

that meets the needs of supporters both at home and at the stadium.

No matter how nice it sounds on paper, a subcommittee is not going to be the one to address this problem, and

it is still unclear who would initiate the change and how.