- The SPFL confirmed that the Union Bears are not allowed at Celtic Park
- Celtic must allocate Rangers 5% of the stadium for final Old Firm clash
- Ferguson pleased that fans will be in attendance next Sunday
Barry Ferguson has offered his thoughts on the SPFL statement which stated that the Union Bears are banned from the Celtic-Rangers match.
The statement which was released yesterday evening brought an end to the ticket row that had erupted between the two clubs ahead of the final derby match next Sunday.
And the former Rangers captain provided his reaction speaking to The Go Radio Football Show this morning.
Ferguson pleased that Rangers will have supporters in attendance
Ferguson said: “I am just happy that Rangers have got the allocated tickets.
“My main concern leading up to this statement was that Rangers were not going to get any tickets but the agreement is in place that they will get the 2,5000.
“Who will get them, who knows but I am just happy Rangers will have supporters inside that stadium a week on Sunday.”
The fact that Ferguson was concerned as to what the outcome would be reflects the uncertainty over what the SPFL would decide, especially after the scenes that were witnessed at the last time Old Firm.
Supporters attending any match, especially an Old Firm derby is deep within Rangers’ identity and culture, something that the 48-year-old knows all to well.
Rangers hero worried derby will mark the end of Old Firm allocation
Ferguson went on to praise the atmosphere that comes with an Old Firm derby and reiterated his honour to have witnessed it as a player and manager.
“I have said it plenty of times when you have both sets of supporters inside the stadium it creates an unbelievable atmosphere.
“I have been lucky enough to play and manage in it, and they made their noise known.”
However, he counteracted that with his concerns for next season.
“Is it going to continue next season, my worry is, no, I have got a slight feeling this could be the end of the ticket allocation.”
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What is clear is that as much as Barry Ferguson is pleased that Rangers players will have supporters in attendance, there is also concern.
The scenes witnessed at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup quarter-final were not pleasant to watch.
And if Ferguson’s fears are realised then this is only a temporary solution and the future of away supporters at Old Firm matches is at risk.
