Gary McAllister says Rangers vs Celtic atmosphere is 'diluted' as Scotland legend reveals Philippe Clement connection

Ex-Scotland and Liverpool star Gary McAllister reckons that banning away fans has ruined the atmosphere at games between Rangers and Celtic, but still believes that it is the best derby in the UK.

The 59-year-old worked as No 2 to Steven Gerrard at Ibrox between 2018 and 2021, helping the Light Blues lift their first league title for 10 years in his final full season, before following Gerrard to the Premier League with Aston Villa. The recent clashes between Celtic and Rangers have been overshadowed by the controversial decision from both clubs to ban any away fans from entering the stadiums, after years of squabbling over the number of tickets given to each team.

Former playmaker McAllister admits it has hampered the fierce rivalries reputation but still reckons it trumps the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton that he was also fortunate enough to play in during his illustrious career.

Speaking to Betway, he said: "It's been diluted a touch in recent years because both clubs up in Glasgow have stopped away fans from attending. When you get both sets of fans and a proper amount of travelling fans, it makes for a better atmosphere.

"Hopefully, at some point, the two clubs can get together and make an effort to actually do something about getting fans in the away ground. The Merseyside derby at both grounds is unbelievable. I would probably just lean towards the Glasgow derby. The only other one looking up from afar is the big ones in Argentina - River Plate and Boca. I don't think there's any love loss there!"

McAllister has also tipped his old club Rangers to go out and win the Premiership title and has revealed his connection with Gers boss Philippe Clement. He added: "Well, there's a little Coventry