CELTIC SLASH SEVCO TICKETS

CELTIC have slashed Sevco Rangers’ away support allocation to “approximately 800” for the Premiership clash at Parkhead on September 2.

The move is a direct response to a similar announcement made by the Ibrox outfit.

The Govan club announced in May that, because of record season ticket sales, they would be limiting the Hoops to 800 supporters.

However, a statement from the champions today read: “Celtic Football Club has confirmed that it will issue approximately 800 tickets to visiting supporters for the fixture against Rangers at Celtic Park on September 2. This mirrors the decision announced recently by Rangers.

“This is not a development we welcome and it is unfortunate that the initial decision came without any form of discussion. The previous arrangements worked well for both sets of supporters as well as contributing to the status of the fixture as a sporting occasion.

“Following the unilateral action by Rangers, we cannot allow our own supporters to be doubly penalised, by having access to the away fixture reduced so dramatically, while not being offered the opportunity to maximise our own support at Celtic Park.

“The rules of the SPFL call for ‘reasonable’ provision to be made for visiting supporters, without being specific on numbers. Within that context, we would welcome further discussions involving the two clubs and the SPFL.

“Celtic’s decision relates, at this stage, to the match on September 2, 2018.

“Meanwhile, Celtic will closely monitor the implications for crowd management and other factors surrounding these fixtures.

“We will at all times be guided by the interests of our own supporters and the reputation of Scottish football.”