Celtic and Rangers have agreed to allow fans to return to Old Firm games in the Scottish Premiership from next season.
The last two league matches between the clubs last season and the first two top-flight fixtures of this crusade were played between away fans.
Fan protection considerations were highlighted from the reasoning and this lockout will be in place for the remainder of this season.
However, following discussions between clubs, the SPFL and the police, the league’s governing system has shown that from 2024/25 a five per cent away allowance will be in place, provided all needs are met at Ibrox and Celtic Park.
This means around 3,000 Rangers fans will attend games at Parkhead, while around 2,500 Celtic fans will be at Ibrox.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: “It’s huge and it’s something this club has stood for for a number of years. Given the iconic nature of this match, it deserves the participation of either amateur team.
“There are two teams of other people who have been absent, the players in terms of the game and the atmosphere that is created and then, very importantly, the enthusiasts because they are the ones who make this game.
“It’s certainly wonderful news and it’s wonderful for football and Scottish football in general that we can produce a game that has those fans and with any of the fan teams in attendance, we’re going to look forward when that happens. “
Rangers manager Philippe Clement said: “I think everybody loves football, with two sides of fans doing one song opposite to the other or making one song for the other and having that atmosphere.
“Nobody enjoyed the Covid era when there were no supporters, it was tricky and, for me, it was strange to play at Celtic Park without our supporters.
“It was a first for me, it was a pleasure, so I think each and every player and any and every coach needs any of the teams in the stadium.
“That’s what football is all about, it’s entertainment and entertainment between two teams. It’s a very positive thing for me. “
“Following a commitment with either club, SPFL is pleased to confirm that Rangers FC and Celtic FC will provide ticket allocations of approximately five cents per cent to away supporters, for SPFL matches between the two clubs.
“This will come into effect from the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season, provided all needs are met at Ibrox and Celtic Park.
“This does not affect the remaining two league games between clubs in the 2023/24 season, which will be left at 0 for away fans. “
In a statement, the Ibrox club said: “The Rangers’ position has been that visiting enthusiasts will be present at those games, and with this decision, a significant number of our enthusiasts will be able to help our team at Parkhead in the coming seasons. “
Celtic have won against Old Firm this season, beating Rangers 1-0 at Ibrox in September, followed by a 2-1 win in December.
The clubs will meet again, live on Sky Sports, on April 7, without outdoor fans, in a key fixture in this race for the name, with some other league fixtures to watch after the split.
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are one point ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership lately, however, the Ibrox club have a game in hand.
Watch Rangers vs Celtic on April 7 starting at 11 a. m. on Sky Sports Football.
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