Rangers Apply for Celtic Safety Measures Planning Permission After Away Fan U-Turn
In a significant development in Scottish football, Rangers have officially applied for planning permission to implement enhanced safety measures at Ibrox Stadium following a dramatic U-turn regarding the allocation of away fans, particularly those from Celtic, for upcoming Old Firm clashes. This move marks a notable shift in the ongoing saga surrounding fan allocations in one of the most heated rivalries in world football.
The Old Firm rivalry between Rangers and Celtic is legendary, not just for the intensity on the pitch but also for the passionate and sometimes volatile atmosphere generated by the fans. Traditionally, both clubs allocated a substantial number of tickets to away supporters for these matches, creating a unique and electric environment. However, in recent years, this allocation has been drastically reduced due to safety concerns and escalating tensions between the rival fan bases.
In the 2018-2019 season, Rangers significantly reduced Celtic’s allocation at Ibrox to just 800 tickets, citing safety reasons and a desire to prioritize their own season ticket holders. Celtic responded by reducing Rangers’ allocation at Celtic Park. This tit-for-tat approach led to complaints from fans and diminished the spectacle of the Old Firm derbies, which had historically seen large contingents of away supporters.
In a surprising U-turn, Rangers recently announced plans to reintroduce a larger allocation of tickets for Celtic fans at Ibrox, a decision that has been met with mixed reactions. While many fans welcome the return of the traditional away fan atmosphere, others have expressed concerns about safety, especially given the heated nature of the rivalry.
In response to these concerns, Rangers have applied for planning permission to implement a range of safety measures designed to ensure the security of all fans attending Old Firm matches. These measures are expected to include enhanced segregation between home and away supporters, improved access control, and additional security personnel to manage the increased number of away fans.
Rangers’ application for planning permission to the Glasgow City Council highlights the club’s commitment to addressing safety concerns while maintaining the unique atmosphere that makes Old Firm matches so special. The proposed safety measures are likely to include:
Installing physical barriers and increased stewarding to ensure clear separation between home and away fans, particularly in and around the away supporters’ section.
Streamlining entry and exit procedures to prevent bottlenecks and reduce the potential for clashes between rival fans before and after the match.
Deploying more security personnel in key areas of the stadium, including around the away fan section and in zones where fans are most likely to come into contact.
Expanding the use of CCTV and other surveillance technologies to monitor crowd movements and quickly identify any incidents that may arise.
The reaction to Rangers’ decision to apply for planning permission has been mixed. Some Rangers fans are wary of reintroducing a larger away contingent at Ibrox, fearing it could lead to an increase in violent incidents. On the other hand, many Celtic fans and neutral observers see the move as a positive step towards restoring the full atmosphere of the Old Firm derby, which has been somewhat diluted in recent years due to the reduced away allocations.
Authorities, including the police and city council, have welcomed Rangers’ proactive approach to ensuring fan safety but have emphasized the need for careful planning and execution of these measures. They have pledged to work closely with both clubs to ensure that any changes made will be effective in maintaining order and safety during the high-stakes fixture.
Rangers’ application for planning permission to implement enhanced safety measures at Ibrox following their U-turn on away fan allocation is a significant development in the ongoing story of the Old Firm rivalry. As the club moves forward with these plans, it remains to be seen how the reintroduction of a larger Celtic fan presence at Ibrox will impact the atmosphere and dynamics of one of football’s most storied fixtures. What is clear, however, is that Rangers are keen to strike a balance between preserving the intense rivalry that defines these matches and ensuring the safety of all supporters involved.
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