RANGERS can confirm that the away allocation for the forthcoming Premier Sports Cup fixture at Ibrox against Celtic will be 300 tickets.
Since the clubs last considered away allocations, the Blackbourne Report has been published and our sanction issued. Together with the events of 8 March and our assessment of the current risk, these developments have informed our planning for this fixture. Matchday safety remains our top priority.
A reduced allocation allows greater individual ticket-holder accountability, stronger ingress controls, enhanced segregation and additional safeguards appropriate to the risk identified for this fixture.
Since 8 March, there have also been further pitch invasions involving Celtic supporters. The Blackbourne Report demonstrated how quickly an initial incursion can escalate into wider disorder involving both sets of supporters. Preventing another pitch incursion is therefore an important part of reducing the risk of further disorder at this fixture.
Following the recent cup draw, Rangers approached Celtic with proposals aimed at finding a sustainable way forward. Celtic responded eight days later, and that response did not address our concerns around accountability and deterrence. Rangers has not seen the clear acknowledgement, condemnation or deterrent messaging we believe should follow events of that seriousness from Celtic.
Rangers have been left to manage the significant consequences of the damage caused on 8 March. Our concern is whether enough has been done since then to demonstrate accountability and reduce the likelihood of the same behaviour being repeated.
We remain concerned that there is a material risk of recurrence.
We are willing to work constructively with all stakeholders and authorities involved in matchday safety for these fixtures. However, the risks currently identified will only be reduced through greater accountability, effective deterrence and constructive joint working.
We have previously raised concerns where risks identified by the club were not, in our view, given sufficient weight, including in relation to the increased away allocation for the 8 March fixture. Rangers will not be deterred from taking decisions it believes are necessary to protect our club, our stadium and our fans.
Finally, we note the decision of the Scottish FA Tribunal published today and will now consider the outcome in full, including its implications, before determining any further steps.