James Bisgrove didn’t start the Old Firm ticket allocation feud – but the new Rangers CEO is determined to settle it.
And hopefully silence the likes of Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in the process.
Both sides of the Glasgow big two have agreed a European style allocation from next season, guaranteeing the other at least 5% of their respective grounds.
The agreement brings to an end years of bickering in this department, Rangers inflaming things when they cut Celtic’s Old Firm ticket allocation in 2018.
That situation have evolved into no away fans being allowed into either ground, something which has for many damaged the optics of the fixture.
But with all that about to change next season, James Bisgrove has silenced any suggestion from the Celtic camp that Rangers could increase their allocation any further.
Rangers “satisfied” with Old Firm allocation agreement
At the time of the announcement, you might’ve remembered Celtic voices describing the Rangers agreement as ‘a step in the right direction’.
This represented a kind of soothing ointment to the pain of Celtic having to climb down on their original demands of a return to the previous Broomloan allocation (7000).
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers even followed the part line, the Northern Irishman claiming that he’s still holding out for Rangers offering his side even more briefs.
Despite granting the Parkhead side around 2500 tickets at Ibrox, it appears it’s still not enough.
“It’s absolutely great news for everyone,” said Rodgers. “It’s certainly something this club have championed for a number of years. It’s the iconic nature of the fixture and it’s because of the supporters.
“So to be able to get 2,500 supporters into the stadium, and hopefully that can grow as well, but to have them in is everything.
“The game is about the players on the field and the supporters in the stand and, especially in this fixture, this is really what makes it. So it’s absolutely fantastic news and not before time as well.
“The aim at Celtic was never to change it, so if it can get back to where it was before it was changed then that would be absolutely great news for everyone.”
James Bisgrove shoots down Celtic ticket hopes
James Bisgrove has found out the hard way the complications of Rangers and Celtic’s famous rivalry.
The club’s former commercial director, it was Bisgrove’s team who negotiated the infamous Sydney Super Cup friendly that never was.
Bouncing back to earn his promotion to the top seat in the Ibrox executive team, the Rangers board have been convinced the Englishman has learned his lesson.
Now, speaking as part of the Ibrox Fans’ Forum, which provides a platform for fans to air their issues with key movers and shakers at the club, Bisgrove captured Rangers fan sentiments perfectly.
Celtic and Brendan Rodgers might try an appease their fans with soundbites relating to the old Old Firm ticket allocation.
But Rangers and James Bisgrove are clear that they are day-dreaming if they think the Ibrox side will be giving up another chair at at the famous stadium to their Old Firm rivals.
The comments are courtesy of the Four Lads Had a Dream blog, which extensively covered the major talking points from the Ibrox fans’ forum on their website and paraphrased the contributors.
“(The Old Firm allocation will be) 5% from next season,” said Bisgrove. “The club’s position is there should always be away fans. It couldn’t continue with Zero.
“The decision came after dialogue with Police, Sky, and the League, and we are satisfied with outcome.
“It’s an unfortunate consequence for the fans moving but the key focus to ensure they have a number of options.
“It will be a positive for the spectacle. But we will never go beyond 5%. If we hadn’t engaged another number higher could have been imposed on us which wouldn’t have been acceptable.”
The date of the final Old Firm clash of the season – which will be played at Celtic Park without away fans – has just been announced.
