Rangers and Celtic fans should return after ‘terrible’ twist – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted away fans must return for the Old Firm fixtures between Rangers and Celtic next season.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes it “detracts from the game terribly” if there are no travelling fans in the stadium.
There have been no away supporters allowed at Celtic Park or Ibrox this season following a ticketing dispute between the two clubs.
That looks set to change next season after it was confirmed they have agreed to let away fans return for their Scottish Premiership matches.
The Glasgow clubs will go head-to-head in the Scottish Cup final later this month at Hampden Park, where fans of both sides will be in attendance.
Rangers and Celtic away fans could return next season
Wyness believes it’s important for the supporters to show how great the atmosphere is at the Old Firm games to maintain the global appeal towards the fixture.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I have had games abandoned due to fan behaviour between Aberdeen and Rangers.
“I have lived through the issues around fan behaviour in Scotland. I do think it detracts from the game terribly if you don’t have away fans in the ground.
“I really do hope to see it back next year. It’s been policed for many years, so it seems a shame that we can’t carry on trying to do it.
“I just think it’s a really big part of the Old Firm derby, so I’m hopeful they can resume this.
“Both clubs have taken very strong positions, but somehow there has to be a mediator that gets between them and says ‘Come on, we’ve got to do this’.
“It’s also how Scottish football is portrayed overseas.
“We know the Old Firm games do get a lot of attention. They are the ones that are shown. We’ve got to show a great atmosphere at the games.
“It’s important to get this right for Scotland, Scottish football and both clubs.”
In other news, John Lundstram now expected to leave Rangers after “whispers”.
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