In a shocking development, it was confirmed on Saturday morning that there would be no Celtic fans allowed into Ibrox for tomorrow’s Women’s Glasgow derby in the SWPL.
Such news was hugely disheartening for many Hoops supporters who had already purchased tickets and were eager to see their team play. The decision was made after Rangers communicated with authorities and safety concerns were raised.
Celtic have now hit back at the news, releasing a statement just after lunchtime. The club admitted that the decision to refuse access to many fans was ‘hugely disappointing’. The release on the official website read:
“At a time when so many are working so hard to promote and support the women’s game in Scotland, the decision to deny access to so many fans is hugely disappointing, even more so given that there were a number of options available to the home club to allow our fans to safely attend in a stadium of such capacity and given the expected crowd.”
Going forward, Celtic are set to liaise with Rangers to ensure all travelling supporters who purchased tickets will now get rightful refunds. Also, they have decided to show tomorrow’s crucial game in the Sports Bar at Parkhead for all supporters.
The game kicks off at 15:10 and in the SWPL title race, it is pivotal. The Ghirls sit just four points behind their city rivals, and a win would give new boss Elena Sadiku a huge boost.
The team won’t have the physical backing of the Celtic support but on TV screens worldwide, fans will be tuning in and hoping for another Glasgow derby triumph.
A while ago the Rangers issued a statement saying that Chris Sutton’s safety could not be guaranteed while he worked inside Ibrox ..for a TV company ! Now we have another statement with safety issues this time for Celtic fans appearing at Ibrox again for tomorrow’s derby game . Can you see a common thread there ? Why are there no questions asked by ALL authorities and Governing bodies regarding safety and wellbeing for ex players and fans inside Ibrox and the surrounding areas ? Or is that incidental to them ?
Well said John