Philippe Clement only knows the Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic without an away fan in sight.
And that will remain the case until the end of the season after a deal to increase away allocations to 5% in the famous fixture was agreed on Good Friday.
The deal – which was struck by a number of key stakeholders, including Sky Sports – will not come into force until next season and puts an end to six years of squabbling over allocations.
It also means that the remaining league Old Firm derbies from this season will be played without away fans.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Hibs – which is a week and a day out from when Rangers welcome Celtic to Ibrox – Philippe Clement was asked his position on the decision.
Philippe Clement on Celtic Park trip
Philippe Clement told journalists that he is – unequivocally – in favour of the move.
What’s more, the Rangers manager branded his recent trip to Celtic Park – his debut and solitary experience of the Old Firm – “very strange” without any away supporters.
This is because he couldn’t hear any Rangers fans fighting his corner inside Parkhead.
“For me yes (it’s a positive thing) for sure,” said Clement. “I think everybody loves football with two sides of fans who sing against each other or sing towards each other and to have this atmosphere.
“No one enjoyed the Covid period when there were no fans, that was really difficult, it was hard.
“For me it was also really strange to play in Celtic Park without supporters of ourselves, so it was the first time for me.
“It’s a strange experience so I think everybody, every player, every manager wants both sides in the stadium.
“Football is about that. It’s entertainment and entertainment from two teams so it’s a very positive thing from my side.
Clement later added: “You’re focused on your team and the game but you want to hear them, you want to feel them. It’s part of football, it’s part of our lives. You do it also for a big part for fans and to see them happy and to feel the respect and to have this synergy together so I think it’s an important thing also for the atmosphere in a stadium to have two kinds of fans in the stadium.”
Rangers manager understands Old Firm allocations call
The Rangers manager would also go on to expand on his opinion on the return of the Old Firm ticket allocations, claiming he missed the Ibrox support in the eventual 2-1 defeat.
It’s clear the Ibrox gaffer is delighted with the notion his charges will be backed up on enemy territory from next season, even if he understands the decision to hold them back this campaign.
“I am not disappointed because I know also making rules you cannot switch things in one day,” said Clement.
“There’s a lot of organisation about things and about relocating people because you bring fans in and all those things.
“So I’m not involved in that in the club, I have enough other jobs to do, but I understand that you cannot change this thing in one week so it’s a very positive thing from next season there becomes a more normal situation again.”
Rangers will welcome Hibs to Ibrox this weekend before facing off against Old Firm rivals Celtic next Sunday April 7th.
