Rangers cancel Celtic tickets for women’s Old Firm derby over safety concerns

Ibrox club take action after receiving intelligence of high ‘risk’ supporters attending the game

Rangers have cancelled all Celtic tickets for this weekend’s Old Firm derby in the Scottish Women’s Premier League after receiving intelligence of high “risk” supporters attending the game.
The Glasgow rivals play each other at Ibrox on Sunday but both clubs received information on the eve of the fixture about the tickets purchased for the away section for the 4.10pm kick-off.
After urgent talks with Police Scotland, it was determined that a sizeable security presence was needed after initially being a police-free fixture.
“Intelligence received by Rangers and Celtic on Thursday suggested groups of ‘risk’ supporters in a significant number had purchased tickets from the Celtic allocation,” read a statement from Rangers.
“Rangers is committed to ensuring there are away supporters at our matches for both our men’s and women’s teams. However, a unique selling point of the women’s game is the unsegregated, family-friendly atmosphere, with many children attending these matches.
“Taking all of that into account, Rangers’ security team decided it would be unsafe to allow these ‘risk’ supporters into the stadium, and with Celtic unwilling to cancel just their tickets, the decision to cancel all tickets was taken.”
Celtic insist they were only informed of the cancellation this morning, adding: “It has been confirmed to Celtic Football Club just this morning that all away tickets will be cancelled for tomorrow’s women’s SWPL match at Ibrox Stadium.
“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.
“Celtic will liaise with the home club regarding refunds for all tickets and will communicate to our supporters who had purchased tickets as soon as possible.
“We are pleased to inform our supporters that the match will be broadcast at the Sports Bar within Celtic Park tomorrow for any supporters who wish to attend.”