Celtic and Rangers face ‘big question mark’ over away fans attending Old Firm derby

Celtic and Rangers are facing a “big question mark” over whether away fans will be allowed to attend the Old Firm derby again. 

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider it’s becoming increasingly difficult to facilitate both sets of supporters attending matches. 

Celtic and Rangers fans both entered the pitch after their Scottish Cup quarter-final clash at Ibrox on 8 March. 

Martin O’Neill’s side secured a penalty shootout victory over their Glasgow rivals after the game had ended 0-0. 

Rangers hosted Celtic in the Scottish Premiership just a week earlier at Ibrox, but there was no such trouble during the 2-2 draw. 

What punishment could Celtic and Rangers face?

Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider the scenes between the Celtic and Rangers fans were “despicable”. 

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is conducting an investigation, with nine people arrested in connection to incidents around the violence. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed the potential punishments for Celtic and Rangers. 

“I mean, there's going to be a big question mark over whether you can have away fans in these games ever again,” said Borson. 

“It's getting increasingly hard to see how you're going to be able to facilitate that situation. 

“But I think the starting point would be a big fine.” 

Why Celtic and Rangers are 'too big' for significant punishment

Borson insisted Celtic and Rangers are “too big” for the SFA to hand out significant punishments to the Old Firm rivals. 

“The Scottish game are going to have to be careful about what they do these days with Celtic and Rangers because post the changes that are happening in the European situation, Rangers and Celtic are completely critical to the Scottish game, so there's going to be that balance,” said Borson. 

“They're too big really in many ways. They're too big for the league to control completely, so they're going to have to be working collaboratively with them rather than antagonistically with both clubs. 

“I think whatever situation is, whatever end game is arrived at, is going to probably be with everybody around the table agreeing that that's the best way forward as opposed to in a kind of conflict situation. 

“I think the only thing is they're going to have to be seen to fine them a proper amount.”