Get ready for a thrilling Scottish Cup showdown as Celtic fans eagerly anticipate a return to the Broomloan Stand at Ibrox! But here's the catch: there are some tricky precedents that could dash their hopes for a full away allocation.
The Battle for Broomloan
Celtic supporters are dreaming of reclaiming the entire Broomloan Stand for next month's Scottish Cup blockbuster. However, past experiences suggest that this desire might not be fully realized.
Precedents and Rules
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has a rule allowing away clubs to claim up to 20% of the home stadium's capacity. This would typically mean around 11,000 seats for Celtic at Ibrox. But here's where it gets controversial: discussions between clubs and Police Scotland often lead to adjustments, and these precedents could impact Celtic's chances.
A Look at History
In 2019, Rangers faced a similar situation when requesting 4,000 tickets for a cup tie at Aberdeen's Pittodrie. The Dons refused, citing segregation and safety concerns. Rangers ended up with only half the requested allocation, a stark reminder of the impact of safety considerations.
And this is the part most people miss: Celtic themselves have taken a firm stance on away allocations. In last season's Scottish Cup quarter-final against Hibs, Celtic initially offered just 2,667 tickets, despite the SFA's 20% guideline. After discussions, this was increased to 7,000, but still fell short of the full 20% capacity.
The Hint and the Hope
Following the recent draw, Celtic's Supporter Liaison Officer shared an image of a green and white Broomloan Stand, a subtle hint that they're pushing for a full away allocation. But with past experiences and safety considerations in mind, it's not a guarantee.
So, will Celtic fans get their wish? Only time will tell. What do you think? Should safety concerns trump demand, or should the SFA's guidelines be strictly followed? Let's discuss in the comments!
