Hutton makes bold claim about Rangers ‘advantage’ ahead of Celtic showdown after U-turn
Alan Hutton hac claimed the absence of away fans will give Rangers an advantage over Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday.
The former Gers defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, provided insight on how a crowd can influence players.
The Daily Record reported last week (August 20th) that Rangers have withdrawn 700 tickets originally offered to Celtic fans for the game on Sunday.
The report claims that this is due to the Ibrox club not receiving assurances from Celtic that fans would be able to attend future Old Firm fixtures at Parkhead.
As such, Rangers fans will occupy the entirety of the 50,000-plus Ibrox capacity for Sunday’s game.
Hutton said that the situation would play into the hands of Rangers, adding that the Gers players need to utilise the environment to their benefit.
“I think as a player you need to use the fans to your advantage,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“They’re roaring you on and if anything, it’s intimidating for the other team, so we’ll see how Celtic handle that.
“It’s absolutely true what they say about the twelfth man, they can help you.
“The crowd will never let a player switch off.
“If you’re doing something you shouldn’t be doing, they will let you know, but if you’re doing something well, they will get right behind you.
“It’s an advantage for Rangers, for sure. But if the match was at Parkhead it would be an advantage for Celtic.”
Rangers are unbeaten in six against Celtic, with their last triumph being a 4-1 home victory in May.
Both sides have six points on the board in the Scottish Premiership after three games, having lost one and won two games apiece.
In other news, Frank McAvennie has claimed that Rangers are the victims of what has stifled Celtic.