Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has voiced deep concerns that one of Scottish football's most cherished traditions could be lost forever following the violent scenes that erupted at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday. The experienced coach fears that traditional away fan allocations for Old Firm derbies may become a thing of the past as authorities grapple with escalating crowd trouble.
The latest incident at Rangers' home ground has reignited debates about fan safety and the future of away support at these high-stakes encounters. O'Neill, speaking candidly about the situation, described his sadness at the prospect of losing what has long been considered an integral part of Scottish football culture.
Sunday's chaos marks another troubling chapter in the storied rivalry between Glasgow's two biggest clubs, with officials now under mounting pressure to take decisive action. The violence has prompted serious discussions about whether allowing away supporters at these fixtures remains viable given the ongoing security challenges.
The potential elimination of away allocations would represent a significant shift in how these historic matches are conducted, potentially affecting the atmosphere that has made Old Firm derbies among the most intense football encounters in world sport. Industry observers suggest that such a move, while controversial, may be necessary to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety.
