Andy Walker believes ‘it’s a pity’ that Rangers & Celtic have not allowed ‘a serious turnout of away supporters’

Follow us on Google Discover

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers and Brendan Rodgers Celtic will come head-to-head in the Old Firm derby on Saturday at Ibrox.

Andy Walker has criticised Rangers and Celtic for their decision to ‘not allow a serious turnout of away supporters’ ahead of the Old Firm derby on Saturday at Ibrox.

As reported by the Mirror, in the summer the Gers opted to end both club’s mutual agreement of allowing around 7,000 away fans to attend the fixture, a decision which was swiftly followed by Celtic.

Former Scottish Premiership striker Walker stated that ‘it’s a great pity’ that both clubs have chosen this pathway as there will be a limited number of away supporters at Ibrox.

“Well obviously the noise here will be incredible tomorrow, for the home support if things aren’t going their way then it’s added pressure,” Walker told Sky Sports News on 28/12/2018 at 5:40 pm. “I think it’s a great pity that both clubs have chosen to not allow a serious turnout of away supporters.

“I think it adds to the spectacle when you have a good proportion of away support, both here at Ibrox and at Celtic Park. The noise I think will be extraordinary tomorrow. The Celtic players have shown that they can cope with that level of noise and that intimidating atmosphere.”

As expected, the game is going to be hotly-contested, both on the pitch and in the stands in terms of atmosphere as Steven Gerrard will get a first taste of this fixture in Rangers’ own backyard.

Brendan Rodgers side won the reverse fixture in September 1-0 as the Northern Irishman will be looking to extend his unbeaten run against the Glasgow club.

On Boxing Day, the Bhoys secured a tough, but entertaining 4-3 win over third-placed Aberdeen to open up a three-point lead at the top of the table – they also have a game in hand, against St Johnstone, over their rivals.

For Gerrard’s men, they were held to a 1-1 draw against Hibernian as three points against Celtic will move them level on points with their Glasgow neighbours.