FOOTBALL WITHOUT FANS IS NOTHING

When the rangers spit the dummy out and cut Celtic fans allocation for Ibrox it started a spiral that ended up with no Celtic fans at their place and no rangers fans at Celtic Park. It all took something away from one of the biggest derbies in the World.

I have always enjoyed going to Ibrox and standing in the Broomloan end cheering on the bhoys. Early morning flights, a pint or two and then jumping on a supporters bus to Govan before the walk to the back on the stand passing the round about where Celtic fans gathered in the hope of the getting a last minute ticket.

The atmosphere was always great. Celebrating wins was always magical but we also witnessed defeats which were hard to take on a journey home but that is part and parcel of supporting your team. Enjoying the highs and dusting yourself down after lows ready to go again.

Waking up this morning in the dark and realising that you could not travel to the game was disappointing. The winners are the pubs and clubs which will be packed with Celtic fans all around the globe. Celtic are also showing a beam back at Celtic Park but nothing would beat standing with thousands of other Celtic fans behind the goals to welcome the Celtic players before kick off and raise the roof when they go into the huddle.

Hopefully both clubs can get together and sort out the mess created by the blue half of Glasgow and get the fans back in. Celtic are sitting pretty on top of the table 14 points clear of the rangers and will travel across the city in confident mood. Whatever the result is today Celtic are still odds on favourites to retain the SPFL trophy but bragging rights and pride are important to both sets of fans.

The game is live on Sky Sports and will be streamed on Celtic TV.

Football without Fans is nothing – Jock Stein

Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes & Host of the Celtic Soul Podcast