Derek McInnes Disappointed Over No Away Fans in Old Firm Derbies

Derek McInnes has voiced his disappointment after it was confirmed there will be no away fans at any remaining league fixtures between Celtic and Rangers this season.

The decision follows the ugly scenes at Ibrox last term after a Scottish Cup tie between the clubs, an afternoon that has cast a long shadow over the fixture.

In the build-up to next weekend’s Premier Sports Cup clash at Ibrox, Rangers had proposed a reduced away allocation for Celtic supporters. Celtic rejected that offer. Talks with the SPFL then led to a more drastic outcome: for the rest of the league campaign, Old Firm derbies will be played in front of home fans only.

McInnes, speaking at his Friday press conference, admitted the announcement jarred with him when he first saw it.

“I noticed the news on the Sky ticker tape there,” he said. “First reaction is that it is disappointing that it has been made.”

He kept his distance from any club stance, stressing he had not yet discussed the issue internally.

“Without commenting too much because I don't know the club's position on it at the moment, I think it is more appropriate that the club speaks on it,” he added.

What he did make clear was his belief in what a derby should look and feel like.

“It's always better when the opposition fans are allowed into a derby game,” McInnes said.

The qualifier came quickly. Behaviour has to meet the required standard, and recent history has clearly weighed on the authorities.

“But whether that can be... there has still got to be behaviours met and obviously the decision has been made,” he continued. “I don't know, I haven't spoken to anyone at the club regarding that so I can't really comment any more than that.”

The noise will still be deafening when Celtic and Rangers collide. It will just be one-sided.