Derek McInnes Calls Locking Out Away Fans Disappointing

Derek McInnes has branded the decision to lock out away fans from Celtic v Rangers league fixtures for the rest of the season as "disappointing", insisting derbies are always better with both sets of supporters inside the ground.

The Kilmarnock manager was asked for his reaction after the SPFL confirmed that no away fans will attend any remaining Premiership meetings between the Glasgow rivals this campaign. The move follows the ugly flashpoints at Ibrox last season after a Scottish Cup tie between the clubs.

Rangers had pushed for a reduced away allocation for next weekend’s Premier Sports Cup clash at Ibrox, but Celtic rejected that proposal. Talks with league officials then led to the decision to stage the SPFL encounters in front of home fans only.

McInnes first learned of the development as he prepared for his Friday press conference.

"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 will now be left to home crowds alone. The debate over what that does to one of world football’s most charged fixtures is only just beginning.