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Brendan Rodgers admits he is very pleased that the doors of Old Company have opened to outdoor fans again, but the Celtic manager hopes the decision to allow around 2,500 away fans into the Glasgow stadium will be the first step in a comeback. to the old single authorisations.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement was also pleased with the change for next season, after the clubs nevertheless reached an agreement after very important negotiations with the SPFL. Fans of the opposition will continue to be excluded from Ibrox in next week’s clash and in the crusade’s final league game against Celtic. Park after the split.
However, there will be a massive increase in the number of punters next season, with groups giving five per cent of the seats to their rivals after several seasons with a minimum of around 750 punters. Rodgers insisted that Celtic NEVER sought assignments to be reduced and while he is very happy with the progress, he would love to welcome 7,500 enthusiastic travellers as on previous occasions.
The Irishman said: “It’s huge. Celtic’s aim has never been to replace him, so if we can get back to where he was before he was replaced, that would be wonderful news for everyone. “
“This is wonderful news for everyone. This is all that this club has been advocating for several years.
“It’s an iconic occasion, thanks to the enthusiasts. It’s valuable that enthusiasts from both groups are there.
“There are two teams of other people who missed something. The players, in terms of the game and the atmosphere that is created, and then, very importantly, the fans. That’s what this encounter does.
“So to be able to get 2,500 fans into the stadium, and over time, that can increase, that’s it. Because the game is all about the players on the field and the enthusiasts. Especially in this encounter, that’s what really does it. .
“It’s wonderful for the game, and wonderful for Scottish football in general, that we can produce a game with that kind of passion. “
Gers’ rivals Clément are also in the group as they enjoy the great playing atmosphere created through both amateur teams. The Belgian said: “For me, yes. I think everyone loves football, with two sides of enthusiasts doing one song opposite to the other or making a song for others and having that vibe.
“Nobody enjoyed the Covid era when there were no enthusiasts, it was hard, it was hard. For me, it was also very strange to play at Celtic Park without fans for us. It was a first for me and a strange experience. I think each and every player, every single coach needs both groups to be in the stadium. “That’s what football is all about, it’s the entertainment of two groups. That’s a positive thing for me.
“You have to listen to them, you have to feel them. I’m sure the other coaches need it too. It’s part of football, it’s part of our lives, and you also do it for a lot of fans and to see them are satisfied and feel the respect and synergy together. I think it’s vital, also for the environment in a stadium, to have two types of enthusiasts in the stadium.
Celtic will have no fans at the Ibrox cauldron for next week’s clash and Clement will have to take his men to the lions’ den across the city after the split. But the Gers coach admitted that there is no possibility of applying the new five according to the penny rule. at this backward level of the season.
Clément said: “No, I’m not disappointed because I know that by setting rules you can’t replace things in a day. There’s a lot of organization related to things and moving other people around because you’re attracting enthusiasts and all that. that kind of thing.
“I don’t deal with that at the club, I have enough jobs to do!But I perceive that you can’t replace this in a week. It’s a very positive thing for next season and it suits a more general situation.