Derek McInnes addresses Rangers fans after away supporters ban
Derek McInnes has communicated with Rangers fans following the announcement of a ban on away supporters from Old Firm matches for the remainder of the season, reports BritPanorama.
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) confirmed that no travelling Celtic supporters would be allowed at any fixture between the Glasgow rivals, beginning with the next match this Sunday. Approximately 50,000 fans are expected to attend at Ibrox.
In urging Rangers supporters to rally behind the team, McInnes remarked, “I think we’ve got to bring the crowd with us.” He emphasized the need for a united front, noting that the match dynamics will shift throughout the game. “You’re not going to play Celtic and dominate the game for 90 minutes. We’ll have spells, they’ll have spells, it’s just the way it is,” he added.
McInnes stressed the importance of the home crowd’s support, asserting that if Rangers could capitalize on their opportunities, the team could showcase its strength. “If the 50,000 can be utilised and we can have the strength of performance in the team, then I think it will be difficult to stop,” he concluded.
He acknowledged the ongoing frustrations among fans and the necessity of delivering a different experience. “We recognise Celtic are a good team… We just want to make sure that we give ourselves a chance to be relevant domestically again in terms of winning trophies, and Sunday gives us a chance to take a step towards that,” he said.
The SPFL’s decision to restrict away supporters stems from violent scenes that followed the Scottish Cup quarter-final match between the two teams at Ibrox in March. Subsequent discussions over ticket allocations saw Rangers propose reducing visiting seats from the customary 2,500 to just 300. Celtic’s refusal led the SPFL to impose a blanket ban on travelling fans.
In a statement, the SPFL clarified that this temporary arrangement is intended to allow for proper evaluation of the findings from an independent review conducted after the March incidents. The arrangement aims to ensure planning for future fixtures is both thorough and focused on safety.
As the countdown to the Old Firm clash continues, the atmosphere is set to be charged, with home fans expecting an impassioned display from their team.
