Derek McInnes Disappointed by Lockout of Away Fans in Celtic-Rangers Derbies

Derek McInnes has branded the decision to lock out away fans from the remaining league derbies between Celtic and Rangers this season as a disappointment, insisting the spectacle is always better with rival supporters in the ground.

The call comes in the wake of ugly flashpoints at Ibrox last season following a Scottish Cup tie between the Glasgow giants. Tensions around away allocations have simmered ever since.

For next weekend’s Premier Sports Cup clash at Ibrox, Rangers proposed a reduced away allocation for Celtic. Celtic rejected that offer. Talks then moved to the SPFL, and the league has now confirmed that there will be no away fans at any SPFL fixtures between the sides for the rest of the campaign.

Speaking at his Friday press conference, Kilmarnock boss McInnes admitted he had only just seen the development flash up on television.

“I noticed the news on the Sky ticker tape there,” he said. “First reaction is that it is disappointing that it has been made.

“Without commenting too much because I don't know the club's position on it at the moment, I think it is more appropriate that the club speaks on it.

“But it's always better when the opposition fans are allowed into a derby game.

“But whether that can be... there has still got to be behaviours met and obviously the decision has been made.

I don't know, I haven't spoken to anyone at the club regarding that so I can't really comment any more than that.”

The Old Firm atmosphere has long been defined by the noise, colour and fury from both ends of the stadium. This season, the league’s flagship fixture will play out with only home voices echoing around Ibrox and Celtic Park.