Derek McInnes Disappointed by Ban on Away Fans in Celtic vs Rangers Matches

Derek McInnes has voiced his disappointment after it was confirmed there will be no away fans at any SPFL league meetings between Celtic and Rangers for the rest of the season.

The decision follows the ugly flashpoints at Ibrox during last season’s Scottish Cup tie between the clubs, incidents that dragged the rivalry back into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Ahead of next weekend’s Premier Sports Cup clash at Ibrox, Rangers had pushed for a reduced away allocation. Celtic rejected that proposal. Talks with the SPFL then led to a more drastic outcome: a blanket ban on away supporters for league fixtures between the two Glasgow giants for the remainder of the campaign.

McInnes learned of the move in real time.

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

He chose his words carefully, stressing he had not yet discussed the matter internally.

“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,” he added.

Then came the line that will resonate with anyone who has lived through a derby day.

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

That is the heart of the issue. The spectacle, the noise, the edge – all dulled when one half of the divide is locked out entirely.

McInnes also acknowledged why the authorities have stepped in.

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

For now, he is keeping his counsel, waiting on a formal stance from his own club.

“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 will go on, of course. The question is what kind of derby Scottish football wants it to be.