Rangers have confirmed to supporters exactly how many tickets they will receive for January’s Glasgow derby at Celtic Park, the first Glasgow Derby meeting in the east end this season.
The rivals are set to meet for the third time this campaign, but this fixture carries added intrigue. With both clubs having dropped points for fun this season, there is no certainty over where either side will sit in the league by the time the game arrives after the final run of December fixtures.
Rangers’ Supporter Liaison Officer issued an update on Monday, confirming the outcome of the ballot for the away allocation at Parkhead.
“Emails have been sent to those who were successful in the ballot for Parkhead,” the update read.“Over 3,270 supporters registered for the club’s allocation of 2,362.”
That figure reflects the revised away allocation agreed following the return of visiting supporters to Glasgow derbies. For several seasons, away fans were excluded entirely after relations between the clubs deteriorated over ticketing arrangements and safety concerns.
Historically, the allocation was cut sharply by Rangers during a period of Celtic dominance, with the Hoops restricted to the minimum number of seats at Ibrox.
That setup proved problematic. Celtic supporters were confined to a corner of the ground and repeatedly targeted by missiles thrown from above. Safety concerns eventually led Celtic to withdraw their travelling support altogether until a safer and more balanced solution could be found.
That compromise was reached last year, restoring a larger away presence at both stadiums. Since then, several derbies have passed without major incident in the away end, and the atmosphere has benefited from the return of colour, noise, and edge from both sets of supporters.
On the pitch, the January meeting feels finely poised. Rangers will travel knowing Celtic are far from at their best. At the same time, Rangers are still trying to find an identity under their new manager, Danny Rohl.
Much will depend on how both sides negotiate a demanding December schedule, amid injuries, and the mounting pressure of a tightening title race with new managers trying to find their way.
For Celtic, the fixture represents more than three points. It offers a chance to reassert control at home, steady a season that has wobbled at times, and show that lessons have been learned. For Rangers, it is an opportunity to deepen doubts and underline their credentials in what remains an unpredictable campaign as the duo chase down Hearts who are setting the pace at the moment.
