Celtic hit back in Rangers ticket snub row as they refuse to budge despite rivals raging statement

Celtic say they stand by their decision not to give Rangers any tickets to the derby on December 30 - but hope to welcome away fans in the fixture again next year.

The Ibrox side released a raging statement earlier on Tuesday after their rivals refused to budge and release any away tickets despite Rangers taking their case to the SPFL - and claiming they won in front of a board subcommittee. Celtic were offered tickets to Ibrox in September but refused and they left Rangers fuming when they told them they still planned to lock away fans out of the final derby of 2023.

And now they have released a statement doubling down and underlining the 'safety and matchday' issues behind the decision. They said: "Given the recent serious safety and matchday issues which our fans have experienced at fixtures at Ibrox and Celtic Park, Celtic's position on this matter has been very clear. Celtic welcomes the opportunity to seek to resolve these important issues, and it was a hearing for which the club was very well-prepared.

"We are pleased that the sub-committee recognised the importance of safety and matchday experience issues in considering the question of a reasonable allocation for both fixtures. While respecting the ongoing process, Celtic stands by its decision not to allocate any tickets for away supporters for the match on December 30th. Celtic will continue to focus on the importance of safety and matchday experience issues as we look to address reasonable allocations at Celtic Park and Ibrox from next year, in a responsible manner."

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