- Danny Rohl calls for full Old Firm support while remaining neutral on Celtic Park ticket dispute.
- Rangers boss labels final four matches as “four finals” in tense title race run-in.
- SPFL set to rule on escalating Rangers-Celtic ticket allocation row before May 10 derby.
The fallout from the escalating Old Firm ticket dispute continues to cast a long shadow over Scottish football.
Now Rangers’ head coach Danny Rohl has joined in on the discussion, weighing in on both the atmosphere at Celtic Park and the broader context of a title race that now enters its decisive phase.
Speaking ahead of a crucial run-in, Rohl struck a measured tone when asked about the prospect of supporter allocations for the upcoming derby at Celtic Park.
“Of course, we hope to have all supporters with us,” he explained.
“In general, such a game should always have great supporters on both sides.
“That makes the football really exciting. That’s the reason why we love the sport.
“But it’s not my job to decide this. I can just cross my fingers and hope everything goes well in our direction as well.”
His comments land at a moment when away allocations for Old Firm fixtures are under severe strain, with the dispute between Celtic and Rangers over tickets for the May 10 meeting at Parkhead threatening to reshape the fixture entirely.
Celtic have moved to withhold Rangers’ full allocation, citing safety concerns following disorder at the recent Scottish Cup clash at Ibrox.
Rangers, however, have rejected proposals to exclude specific supporter groups such as the Union Bears, insisting any sanction must be individual rather than collective.
The matter is now expected to be reviewed by the SPFL sub-committee, with a ruling due before the fixture takes place.
Danny Rohl on title pressure
Beyond the off-field controversy, Rohl was equally direct about the footballing stakes, framing the remaining fixtures as a compressed sprint that leaves no room for error.
Rangers lost the advantage of having the title destination in their own hands with a home defeat to Motherwell last Sunday.
But Rohl remains hopeful his side can turn the tide in the final four fixtures.
Starting with a trip to league leaders’ Hearts on Monday.
“Everyone wants to be part of this. This is what I understand. It is an opportunity this season and we have four finals to go,” he said.
“This is the great thing and the only thing at the moment that is important.
“We see our opportunity this season and for this we try everything in the next four games.
“The chance is big when you win four games that you can win something.
“But nobody knows how many points you need at the end.”
Rangers can claw the gap on the Jambos back to one with a win in Gorgie on Monday, but Celtic also remain a point clear of the Gers at present.
Ticket row escalates into wider Old Firm governance battle
The dispute itself has evolved far beyond a simple allocation disagreement.
Celtic’s position, refusing Rangers supporters entry in full, stems from the fallout of the trouble in March.
Rangers, by contrast, argue that collective punishment sets a dangerous precedent and undermines long-standing agreements between the clubs.
Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist was among the most vocal critics of Celtic’s stance, sarcastically suggesting that if the logic of exclusion were followed, it would lead to absurd levels of control over opposition supporters.
Danny Rohl could face Celtic clash with no backing
At the heart of the issue is not just the May 10 derby, but what it could mean for future fixtures.
If Celtic’s position is upheld, clubs could gain greater autonomy to restrict away support based on security assessments or behavioural incidents.
If rejected, it reinforces the principle that agreed allocations cannot be altered unilaterally, even under pressure.
Either outcome reshapes the balance of power between clubs and the league structure.
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Allowing one club to alter allocations mid-season risks eroding the consistency that underpins the Old Firm fixture.
At the same time, the safety argument cannot be dismissed outright given recent flashpoints.
This includes the recent pitch invasions and disorder that have required significant policing intervention.
What is emerging is less a dispute over tickets and more a contest over control.
A battle over who defines acceptable conditions for football’s most charged fixture.
With four matches remaining and the title race finely poised, Rohl’s focus remains firmly on the pitch.
But off it, the outcome of the SPFL decision may prove just as influential as anything decided between now and May 10.
