Away fans prepare for return to Old Firm clash

Away fans prepare for return to Old Firm clash

17 minutes ago Share Save Chris McLaughlin BBC Scotland sports news correspondent Share Save

SNS Huge nets have been installed at Celtic Park and Ibrox to prevent fans being struck by missiles

The nets are up, the police say they're ready and both managers have welcomed a return to something approaching Old Firm normality. On Sunday, it's over to the fans. With wry smiles and rolling eyes, the majority of Celtic and Rangers supporters would now admit to having missed each other these last two years. Critics have often described the fixture's atmosphere in the past as poisonous or toxic and, while there are undoubtedly continued issues around sectarian singing, it remains Scottish football's biggest spectacle and its most sellable asset. The rivalry created by the fans makes it one of the most intense fixtures in world football.

It was for that reason that the SPFL stepped in last year to try and negotiate the return of away fans. As Celtic's dominance over their rivals took hold, Rangers fans had, understandably, became increasingly frustrated at their rivals partying in their thousands inside Ibrox. After appointing Steven Gerrard as manager in 2018, the club decided to sell season tickets in the stand historically set aside for Celtic's visit and the away allocation was cut in 2018. What followed was seven years of ticket turmoil, not helped by the Covid pandemic. Both clubs criticised each other over security arrangements and safety of the small number of travelling fans and inevitably drawbridges were pulled up completely. Some hardened fans said it was for the best and the absence of their rivals on match day didn't affect the atmosphere but most soon realised that it just wasn't the same.

Lengthy and delicate negotiations

The negotiations to break the deadlock have been lengthy and delicate, involving the police, the clubs and the league. But with a deal now reached, everyone involved will be watching on with extra interest. As part of the negotiations, both clubs agreed to install huge nets to prevent fans being struck by missiles. It's an unenviable first for the Scottish domestic game and a depressing reminder of what often goes on during this fixture. Nets have been used for decades by clubs in many leagues across Europe but it was thought, until now, that UK stadia CCTV would be good enough to catch the culprits and deter those tempted to step out of line. Both clubs are hoping they won't have to be permanent features. Scottish football has been pushing for the police and the justice system to be tougher on unacceptable conduct inside stadia and the police's approach to safety inside both grounds was a key part of the negotiations. Police Scotland says its officers are well used to dealing with big football matches and have taken time to try and reassure the public that the ticketing change won't phase them. What they have struggled to deal with in recent years, though, is the rise of violent clashes between ultras groups who associate themselves with both clubs, away from the grounds themselves.

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