THE final two Old Firm fixtures of the Premiership campaign will be played with no away fans at Parkhead or Ibrox.
Michael Beale’s side are due to make the trip across Glasgow on Saturday, April 8 for the third league meeting this term and no date has yet been set for the fourth fixture that will take place after the top flight split.
But we can reveal that both of those clashes will be attended by home supporters only following discussions between the clubs in recent days.
The Old Firm showdowns have had limited travelling supports for several seasons now and around 800 fans are housed at Ibrox and Parkhead as the away side finds themselves outnumbered off the park.
It has been agreed by both clubs that this was the best way forward and a joint decision has been reached that will once again dramatically change the sight and sound of derby day in Glasgow after issues at both stadia in recent campaigns.
Earlier this month, Rangers fan Alan Crawford pleaded guilty to throwing a bottle at Celtic physio Daniel Friel, who needed four stitches and has been left with a scar on his scalp, during the Ibrox fixture last April.
Rangers were 'disappointed' with the police response during the 1-1 draw at Parkhead last May and stated their fans were 'left unprotected as they were attacked by bottles and other missiles' amid injuries to elderly and disabled supporters.
And the situation regarding ingress and egress at Parkhead remains an issue for Rangers as away fans are forced to gather two hours ahead of kick-off and remain in the stadium for a prolonged period post-match.
It is understood that the decision to ban away supporters has now been taken in order to provide time to find solutions to sort out various arrangements at both stadia.
That will not, however, include Rangers handing over the entire Broomloan Road stand to Celtic fans and increasing the allocation to the previous levels of around 8,000 briefs.
That option is not on the table for the Light Blues board after the decision was made to sell those seats to season ticket holders and they will not be displaced for the Old Firm fixtures going forward.
The decision has been made to remove away allocations for the next two league matches and supporters will be told officially sooner rather than later.
The Parkhead clash next month comes just weeks before Rangers face Ange Postecoglou’s side in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup at Hampden as Beale bids for revenge following the Viaplay Cup final defeat.
