THE Old Firm are close to striking an agreement over the return of derby away ticket allocations.
SunSport understands there have been positive talks between Celtic and Rangers ahead of the March 16 clash at Parkhead.
Kyogo struck a late leveller in the last Old Firm match with away fans more than two years ago[/caption]
Both sets of Old Firm fans have only been in the stadium at the same time at Hampden in recent years[/caption]
Rangers fans could be back at Celtic Park next month[/caption]
Gers fans are set to be able to attend Barry Ferguson’s first derby match as boss[/caption]
And it’s now hoped that away punters will be able to attend an Old Firm fixture for the first time in over two years.
Barring any late changes, Rangers are likely to get around 2,500 briefs for their Parkhead visit in a fortnight.
This is in line with the ‘five per-cent’ agreement reached between the clubs and the SPFL 12 months ago – in a bid to end the lockout.
Tickets have yet to be confirmed, but SunSport understands fans groups from both clubs have been told a deal is close.
Away supporters have not been given Old Firm tickets since a 2-2 draw at Ibrox in January 2023.
The last eight league fixtures between the clubs have all been played in front of home fans only, amid an ongoing stand-off.
In March 2024, the SPFL announced that Celtic and Rangers had agreed to an away allocation of around five per-cent from the start of the 2024/25 season.
This was based on the understanding that security upgrades, including netting, would be carried out at both stadiums.
However, in August 2024, Celtic informed their rivals that they would not provide away tickets for the September 1 clash.
Back then, Rangers were playing at Hampden due to a delay in Ibrox refurbishment works.
Celtic chiefs expressed concerns that the necessary safety work would be completed in time for their next visit on January 2.
Gers officials disagreed but responded by informing the Hoops that no away allocation would also be given for that New Year derby.
But it’s understood both clubs are now content with the safety and security arrangements in place at both grounds – with final talks taking place between them.
And barring any late problems, Rangers fans are set to return to Parkhead on March 16 – for the first time since a 4-0 defeat in September 2022.
Celts, meanwhile, have agreed give Hibs 7,000 tickets for their Scottish Cup clash on March 9.
The Easter Road club released a statement urging fans to snap them up.
It read: “We received an initial allocation of 2,667 tickets, a number that we sold out within five days of going on sale.
“During the sales period, we remained in continued dialogue with Celtic requesting more tickets, and today had a breakthrough.
“We can confirm that we will now receive an away allocation of up to 7,000 tickets for the match at Celtic Park.
“After long discussions, and being referred to the SFA Handbook, which states ‘the Away Club shall be responsible for payment to the Home Club for all tickets delivered to the Away Club for sale to supporters of the Away Club’.
“We continued to push for the larger allocation, knowing the financial risk to Hibernian FC, and accepted circa 7,000 away tickets understanding the demand from our supporters.
“It goes without saying that our supporters have played a vital part in our fantastic run of form, and we want to see as many Hibees as possible supporting the team at Celtic Park.”
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