Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted he hopes that next weekend’s Glasgow Derby fixture at Hampden can encourage the return to larger away crowds in the fixture.
As many fans will remember, in years gone by, the travelling Celtic supporter previously received around 7000 tickets on their travels to Ibrox Stadium.
However, that has since changed in recent years, with those at Ibrox deciding against the larger travelling supports.
In the most recent Glasgow Derby, Ange Postecoglou and his side were boosted with the return of 700 supporters in Govan.
But, the Celtic boss is hopeful that next week’s Scottish Cup fixture at Hampden Park, which will be a 50/50 split between the two teams, can encourage a return to the bigger travelling crowds in the Derby.
“It will be unique, but it will be great. So far, we have just had a taste of what it can be,” he said, as quoted by Herald Scotland.
“Our 700 were pretty loud the other day and did a fantastic job supporting us. Hopefully, we will get increased numbers in all the derbies.
“The Hampden experience will hopefully encourage people to look at that because there is no doubt that in every game, if you can have a fair share of supporters from both sides, it adds to the event.”
The size of the away supports at both Celtic Park, and Ibrox have been what makes this fixture special over the years. But that experience was ruined with the decision to change that back in 2019.
Next weekend’s game will be the first Glasgow Derby at Hampden since the Hoops 1-0 league cup victory in December of 2019.
It seems unlikely that any change will be incoming to the allocation, with Rangers refusing to budge.
Either way, Ange Postecoglou and his group of players will know they have the full backing of the Celtic support, who will be cheering the side on for the entire 90 minutes next Sunday, in what could be a unique atmosphere.
Rangers?
Rangers are dead.