Celtic and the Rangers are the two biggest teams in Scottish football. There is zero doubt about that. The Glasgow teams have dominated the league and it is no surprise that they are competing for the title this time around as well, even though the Hoops do have a commanding nine point lead at the top of the table as of now.
Thus, the two remaining Glasgow Derbies in the league are going to very important. And if Celtic can avoid defeat in them, their task will become a lot easier.
The Glasgow Derby is without doubt the biggest attraction in Scottish football. And yet, it has lost a lot of its atmosphere in recent times, as the away allocation has been reduced. Most fans want it to return to the old days but the two clubs have not been able to make a breakthrough regarding the matter.
Frank McAvennie does not appear to be happy about the matter. As reported by Football Insider, the former Celtic player said:
"“I am a footballer and I love playing in a red hot atmosphere.“There was nothing better than that.“At Ibrox the Celtic fans are surrounded, there is fans above them and beside them whereas at Celtic Park there is nobody above the Rangers fans. Celtic wanted to go back to the previous allocation and Rangers said no.“I know people that have been there and they were getting things thrown at them and I understand it is a concern.“But the people who are making these decisions have obviously never played football in their life. Football is not a business it is all about the atmosphere.“"
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Of course, fan security is always a concern in these games. But at the same time, not letting away supporters attend the game in order to find a way around it does not seem like a suitable solution to the problem at all.
The atmosphere had at a Glasgow Derby is special and an unique experience in world football. A lot of that has been eroded away in recent years though, as the away fan allocation has been reduced.
Rumours have suggested that Celtic want the allocations to be like the old days, while the Rangers have their doubts about the matter. One can only hope that a solution is found sooner or later. While the atmosphere is still incredible for the Glasgow Derbies, it just is not the same without away fans.