Celtic boss gives superb reply to Michael Beale’s claim

Celtic are heading into one of the most important matches of their campaign, as they welcome the Rangers to Parkhead this weekend. If Ange Postecoglou’s side manage to win, then they will go twelve points clear at the top of the table with just seven league games to go. And such a result would pretty much end the title race for all intents and purposes.

Thus, it is safe to say that a lot is riding on this game. A major talking point heading into it though has been the lack of away fans on the day.

We have seen the allocation for away fans reduce in recent years. It was 7000 in the past and made for a brilliant spectacle. At the moment, that number finds itself at zero though, as the two clubs have failed to find a solution to the issue.

Rumours have suggested that Celtic are looking to go back to the huge away fan numbers of the past. But the Rangers are not believed to be keen on that idea.

Celtic boss gives superb reply to Beale’s claim

As reported by The Scotsman, Beale said:

"“I think the referees are under a huge amount of pressure. Even having just a few fans is better than none, I would say. You’d always rather some fans, even if it was only a small amount.“I just think it adds to the flavour of the game and, again, the pressure it puts on the referee if you have a large crowd in favour of one team.”"

When Postecoglou was asked where he stood on Beale’s comments, the Celtic manager replied:

"“I don’t stand on that anyway. I don’t know, does that mean 700 supporters would?“I don’t understand so I don’t worry about that stuff. As I said, what is important tomorrow is we perform in front of our own supporters and it will be a great atmosphere, that is where our focus lies.“What we have to face tomorrow is 60,000 of ours. And I am quite happy with that as well.”"

It does not feel like 700 away supporters would have made much of a, if any, difference to the pressure on the referee. It is going to be a pretty one-sided crowd on the day regardless.

The ideal solution would be to return to the 7000 away fans of the past. That made for a great spectacle in the Glasgow Derby, which is without doubt the biggest attraction in Scottish football.

One can only hope that the two clubs are able to find a solution in the future. For now, the focus has to be on the match coming up. And 60,000 fans will be behind the Bhoys at Parkhead this weekend.