Brian Laudrup believes it is a real shame that Rangers and Celtic have agreed to have no away fans at Old Firm clashes for the remainder of the season.

Fan safety and security issues have led to the decision by both clubs to have home supporters only for the match at Celtic Park on April 8 and the post-split game at Ibrox at a date yet to be determined.

Both Glasgow clubs are understood to be working to find a solution for next season.

Reacting to the situation in the Daily Mail, Laudrup said: "The decision not to allow away fans at the remaining two Old Firm league matches is a real shame. I understand if there are safety issues. You don't want people to get hurt.

"But, when I was at Rangers, these games were so intense, so hyped and world-famous because the atmosphere was absolutely sensational. It's terrible that there will be no away fans allowed.

"These games are televised all over the world and it's a fantastic advert for Scottish football. That changes with no away fans. The atmosphere will be different, and it will also be tougher for teams playing away from home.

"When we went to Celtic Park, we knew it would be a tough fight but we had our supporters there and that made a huge difference. Away teams will no longer have their 12th man."

On the derby itself, Laudrup added: "The Old Firm is just an incredible derby. I remember being stunned when I played in the AC Milan v Inter derby in Serie A. We were on the bus going to the San Siro and we saw Inter Milan fans with flags and AC Milan fans with flags. Then I noticed that some cars had an Inter Milan flag hanging out of the left side and an AC Milan flag hanging out of the right side.

"I was confused, so I asked one of my Italian team-mates and he told me it was normal in Italy to have AC Milan fans and Inter fans in the same family and they drive together to the game.

"When I joined Rangers, I realised that was certainly not the case in Scotland!

"The Milan derby was huge in Italian football but it was nowhere near the atmosphere and intensity of a Rangers v Celtic game, that's for sure."