Scottish pundit gutted by Rangers U-turn in latest Celtic feud twist
Alan Hutton has admitted he is gutted Celtic fans will not be in attendance against Rangers after a “petty” ticketing feud.
The 50-cap Scotland international, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the supporters are the ones losing out in the squabble.
The Daily Record claimed last week (August 20th) that Rangers withdrew 700 tickets earmarked for Celtic fans for the Old Firm clash on Sunday.
The situation reportedly played out after Celtic failed to confirm whether Gers fans would be able to attend the reverse fixture at Parkhead.
A similar ticketing standoff happened in 2018 when Rangers moved to reduce the Bhoys’ allocation to just 800 from 7,000.
Hutton insisted the fixture would be worse off without opposition fans in the ground.
“I think it’s a shame. It ends up just looking petty,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“It first happened a few seasons ago where one side was given a tiny allocation, and the other team just did the same.
“It’s the fans that are missing out. There’s nothing better than a full house for an Old Firm game, whether it be Ibrox or Parkhead, with the away fans in there at full voice.
“They make it a better atmosphere – that’s what it’s all about.
“These are the games that fans can’t wait for, so I just see it all as a little bit petty.
“I really enjoy seeing both sets of fans in the ground and building the game up.”
Both sides have had similar starts to their Scottish Premiership campaign after Rangers came out on top last season to claim the league title.
The Old Firm rivals have both taken six points from a potential nine.
In other news, Frank McAvennie has branded Rangers a “disgrace”.