Rangers call out 'sporting imbalance' over Celtic away fan ban

Rangers supporters are set to be banned from Celtic vs Rangers <i>(Image: Shutterstock)</i>
Rangers supporters are set to be banned from Celtic vs Rangers (Image: Shutterstock)
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Rangers have called out a "clear and material sporting imbalance" after the decision Celtic will lock out away supporters from the final derby match of the season.

Celtic are set to withhold away tickets for the match next month, on Sunday May 10.

The Parkhead club had requested guarantees that tickets would not be sold to Union Bears members but Rangers rejected the conditions.

Ibrox chiefs have now released a statement slamming the situation and decision taken by Celtic to lock out away supporters.

The statement read: "Yesterday, Celtic FC informed us that they will not provide any tickets for the forthcoming game to our supporters unless we agree not to allocate tickets to members of the Union Bears.

"We have firmly rejected those conditions and have referred the matter to the SPFL Board.

"Rangers is fully committed to safety at football matches, and we have been clear in condemning the actions of certain individuals on 8 March. We have been attempting to work with Celtic to mitigate any security concerns for the upcoming match.

"At a crucial stage of the season, the removal of away supporters from one of the defining fixtures of the competition would introduce a clear and material sporting imbalance. It would also set a precedent with potentially significant consequences for the league in future seasons.

"This game is an opportunity for Scottish football to demonstrate that it can respond constructively to recent events. It should be a showcase occasion and a chance to rebuild confidence in how matches of this nature are managed.

"We want what supporters of both clubs expect - a match decided on the pitch, with both sets of supporters present.

"We ask the SPFL board to uphold the integrity of the competition, enforce the rules and ensure that the agreement in place between both clubs is honoured."

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