Celtic Fans Left Disappointed by Ticket Allocation for Upcoming League Cup Clash Against Rangers
Martin O’Neill has voiced his disappointment regarding Celtic’s allocated tickets for their League Cup quarter-final match against Rangers at Ibrox next month, suggesting that the club “might as well not get any” after Rangers confirmed a mere 300 tickets would be available.
The announcement from Rangers came shortly after the Scottish FA mandated that both clubs must hold their next Scottish Cup home games “behind closed doors” due to crowd disturbances following a previous clash, where Celtic defeated Rangers in a penalty shootout during last season’s Scottish Cup quarter-final in front of approximately 8,000 travelling fans. This number starkly contrasts with the significantly lower turnout of away supporters at recent Premiership encounters, attributed to different ticketing regulations in Scottish Cup matches.
Reflecting on the situation after Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Falkirk, O’Neill remarked, “If they’re going to give us 300 tickets, I would rather say, ‘no’. And we’ll give them one.” He underscored the significance of the fixture, emphasizing that even without the stature of top European teams, it remains a highly anticipated match that thrives on the atmosphere created by away fans.
In a related context, fan sentiments at Parkhead remained mixed. Following a disheartening exit from the Champions League Play-offs against LASK, some disgruntled supporters displayed a banner reading “World Class Embarrassment.” However, overall reactions were more positive than expected. O’Neill noted the surprising cheer the team received upon arriving at the stadium, indicating a level of support that he felt the team may not have earned.
Celtic managed to secure a win against Falkirk, thanks to two goals from Camilo Duran, although Colby Donovan’s own goal created a tense finale. O’Neill expressed gratitude for the supportive crowd, which welcomed Luke McCowan back onto the pitch with an ovation, countering the criticism he faced on social media after earlier performances.
O’Neill is also keenly aware of squad weaknesses highlighted during the recent Champions League exit and is seeking to bolster the team ahead of the transfer deadline. “If we want to defend our title and get something in the Europa League, we need a bit more strength in depth. I think that’s pretty obvious,” he stated, emphasizing needs at left-back due to Kieran Tierney’s ongoing injury struggles and the lack of depth following Marcelo Saracchi’s departure.
Former captain Scott Brown echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the club should consider signing additional players, particularly in physical midfield roles. Brown noted that the presence of a “powerhouse” midfielder would significantly enhance the team’s competitive edge in European matches. With the transfer window approaching, O’Neill will likely be advocating for necessary signings to strengthen the squad’s capabilities.
Martin O’Neill says Celtic “might as well not get any” tickets after Rangers offered 300 for the sides’ League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox next month.
Rangers confirmed the allocation on Friday hours after the Scottish FA announced both clubs would have to play their next Scottish Cup home games behind closed doors.
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The sanctions followed crowd disorder after Celtic’s win on penalties in last season’s Scottish Cup quarter-final win on penalties at Ibrox, when around 8,000 visiting supporters had been present.
That figure was around four times as many away fans that had attended recent Premiership meetings of Celtic and Rangers, with the ticketing rules different for Scottish Cup games.
“We might as well not get any, if that’s the case,” said O’Neill after Celtic’s 2-1 Premiership win over Falkirk.
“Just looking at it from a personal viewpoint, it’s one of the great fixtures. Even if the teams are not of the standard of, let’s say, Paris St-Germain or Real Madrid, it is still a fantastic fixture.
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“And you honestly don’t realise how big it is in European games and in the world. People talk about it as a great game. And the best atmosphere is when the away fans have their allocation.
“So, that’s a shame. But very obviously, if they’re going to give us 300 tickets, I would rather say, ‘no’. And we’ll give them one.”
‘Unexpected’ show of support
Fan discontent over Celtic’s calamitous Champions League play-off exit to LASK was writ large at Parkhead on Saturday in a banner bearing the message ‘World Class Embarrassment’, yet the overall mood was more supportive than sour. Much to O’Neill’s surprise.
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Celtic got the job done with a Camilo Duran double against Falkirk, although Colby Donovan’s own goal ensured a nervy final 20 minutes. It wasn’t the prettiest of victories, but it was crucial.
“As we got off the bus, the crowd actually cheered us, which was unexpected and something that we probably didn’t deserve. I was really pleased,” said O’Neill.
Midfielder Luke McCowan, a whipping boy on social media over his performance in Linz, was welcomed off the bench against Falkirk with an ovation.
“I thought the fans were good today,” former Celtic captain Scott Brown told BBC Scotland.
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“I liked what they did when McCowan came on. They are the real fans, going to games, not sitting behind keyboards.
“It’s disrespectful, that. Luke has had to delete his Instagram or Twitter and he shouldn’t need to do that. It’s part and parcel of football, having a good game and a bad game.
“I know he will be hurting, but it takes a strong character to come back and get on with what he does. Luke did well when he came on. He’s a huge Celtic fan and always wants to do his best for Celtic.”
A fan banner listed Celtic’s qualifying failures of recent years [SNS]
O’Neill seeks reinforcements – what do Celtic need?
The Champions League exit exposed squad deficiencies O’Neill is eager to address before the transfer deadline on Thursday (17:00 BST)
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“I’m still really hopeful we can do something [in the transfer market],” he told BBC Scotland post-match.
“If we want to defend our title and get something in the Europa League we need a bit more strength in depth. I think that’s pretty obvious.”
There’s been long-held concern at left-back. Kieran Tierney is influential but struggles to complete games and there is no obvious alternative after Marcelo Saracchi’s exit.
O’Neill confirmed Tierney picked up another injury issue against Falkirk with the extent of that unclear.
Former skipper Brown believes Celtic will “bring in another left-back and maybe another centre-half” and says Arne Engels’ departure to West Ham has left a sizeable gap.
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“I think they need a powerhouse in the middle of the park, especially in Europe,” Brown added.
“Someone like Engels with his energy and legs. They need that physicality, they missed that against LASK and got bullied all over the park.
“They will be out there looking to do their best in the market and will have a few pounds to spend. Martin will be pushing the board as much as he possibly can.”
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