CELTIC are ready to go to war with the SPFL as the club’s hierarchy insist they will REFUSE tickets to their Ibrox counterparts for the December 30 derby at Parkhead.
The Hoops bosses have formally rejected the offer of 708 briefs for the match in Govan on September 3.
The Celtic board took this decision based on safety fears and are adamant there will be no away supporters for the final clash between the Glasgow teams of 2023.
Parkhead chiefs were open to an Ibrox return for their fans in 16 days’ time on the strict understanding security concerns had been addressed.
There have been discussions between the clubs about erecting nets around the away section, as reported in The Scottish Sun.
FAN-TASTIC…Celtic players perform the pre-match huddle in front of the Hoops support before the 1-0 Scottish Cup semi-final victory over their Ibrox rivals at Hampden in April.
However, the timing of the imminent derby encounter would make such a plan impossible and, subsequently, the offer of tickets has been formally rejected.
The Govan club promised to increase security in the away section, but Celtic bosses are not satisfied at proposed changes.
Next month’s match will be played in front of 50,000 home supporters and the Ibrox chiefs have stated the club will demand tickets for the encounter in December which is scheduled to kick off at 12.30pm.
They have already written to the SPFL stating their desire for an allocation for their travelling support and have cited rule I27 which states the home club should provide a “reasonable number” of away tickets for all Premiership games.
Celtic will respond by insisting their Ibrox decision was taken purely for security reasons and they believe there should be no visiting supporters for the return fixture.
They are prepared to go head to head with Scottish football rulers who will have the final say on the long-running ticket saga.
