Gordon Strachan has called for a ban on away fans at Glasgow derbies.
This comes after troubling incidents during the yesterday's match at Ibrox, where scenes of violence erupted.
Celebrating Celtic fans clashed with Rangers supporters on the pitch, culminating in unruly behaviour.
The situation intensified when a flare was lobbed into the Celtic end, prompting frantic efforts from fans to evade harm.
Reflecting on this, the former Celtic boss, Strachan, expressed his concerns about the continuing turmoil he believes is inherent to these fixtures.
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Despite the game's split loyalities creating an atmosphere unlike any other, the potential threat to the safety of match-goers, staff, and police is a significant concern for Strachan.
Speaking to Covers.com soccer betting he said: "I was personally happy when there was just one set of supporters in the stadium during the Old Firm.
"I know I'm in the minority—and people will argue that the atmosphere is not the same—but is it worth it giving what we saw yesterday?
"You're putting police and staff at risk and you've got fans running onto the pitch to attack people working there."
Strachan further highlighted the underlying hostilities that he suggests are heightened by the platform of social media.
He remarked: "You're never going to change the animosity of the fans for each other—there’s a real nastiness about it all."
Strachan, focusing on the crux of the issue, shared his perspective on the increased societal aggression witnessed over the past decades.
He pointed out: "The world has become a nastier place in the past 30 years."
"Social media has made everything worse—some of the comments you see really are horrific and it builds up with both sides."
Linking these societal changes to the problematic scenarios witnessed at football grounds, Strachan firmly added: "When people who are saying these things to each other on social media eventually meet, this is what happens."
"I'm afraid the worst of us comes out at a football match, and it's just not worth it."
This statement provides a ring of caution amidst the dominance of football culture in Glasgow, and indeed the whole of the UK.
Despite the resounding atmosphere traditionally associated with the rivalry, Strachan's warning highlights a shifting balance between game-day excitement and safety constraints.
It remains to be seen how these events will mould the future stance on away support, with the safety of the broader football community at the fore.
Regardless of any decision made, Strachan's viewpoint pushes the necessity of choice between unifying game spirit and the security and respect for all involved.Gordon Strachan has called for a ban on away fans at Glasgow derbies after violence erupted at the Ibrox pitch.
The former Parkhead boss has expressed his preference for the times when no away fans were allowed, following the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the recent fixture.
The match saw Celtic supporters invading the pitch to celebrate their victory, only to be confronted by Rangers fans who stormed the field.
The situation quickly escalated, with instances of violence breaking out.
There was also the presence of pyrotechnics, culminating in a flare being lobbed into the Celtic end, causing panic and fans scrambling for safety.
As a result, many anticipate a return to matches being held solely in front of home supporters.
Mr. Strachan shares this sentiment and wants to see this change implemented.
He said: "Is it worth it for the scenes we see during and after the game?
"You’re never going to change the animosity of the fans for each other—there’s a real nastiness about it all.
"I was personally happy when there was just one set of supporters in the stadium during the Old Firm.
"I know I’m in the minority—and people will argue that the atmosphere is not the same—but is it worth it, giving what we saw yesterday?
"You’re putting police and staff at risk and you’ve got fans running onto the pitch to attack people working there."
Mr. Strachan also delved into the impact of social media, suggesting that it has intensified hostilities.
He said: "The world has become a nastier place in the past 30 years.
"Social media has made everything worse—some of the comments you see really are horrific and it builds up with both sides.
"When people who are saying these things to each other on social media eventually meet, this is what happens.
"I’m afraid the worst of us comes out at a football match, and it’s just not worth it."
This violence has certainly caught the attention of the authorities, who are expected to adopt a more stringent approach, potentially locking out away supporters from future fixtures.
This issue of whether away fans should be banned from football matches is not new and has caused significant debate.
Those advocating the ban, like Mr. Strachan, argue that it would greatly reduce the risk of violence and thus provide a safer environment for everyone involved.
However, others cite the atmosphere and spirited rivalry as an integral part of the football experience, with the presence of away fans playing a significant role in improving this.
Despite these divided opinions, what remains clear is that safety needs to be the top priority, and if the presence of away fans jeopardises this, authorities may have to seriously consider Mr. Strachan’s proposal.
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