Rangers have received a major boost ahead of their clash against Celtic on Sunday after it was confirmed that Ibrox will be at full capacity.
The Gers played every game of the 2020/21 season behind closed doors and only played in front of a full house again for the first time earlier this month in a Champions League qualifier against Malmö.
There had been fears that amid a spike in Covid-19 cases, a fresh round of restrictions could be imposed before Sunday’s derby.
On Tuesday afternoon, Nicola Sturgeon announced that she had decided against that approach, although she warned that local councils would be thinking ‘very carefully’ about upcoming stadium decisions.
However, Glasgow City Council quickly allayed fears of a reduced allocation.
“Full capacity is available – 50,817 spectators – and that’s the case from now on unless Covid-related restrictions change,” said a council spokesperson [Scottish Sun].
“Ticketing arrangements might make a difference to the actual number of spectators, but that’s for the club to discuss.”
This is a major boost for the Gers.
Plenty of pundits have questioned the current squad’s ability to deliver in front of big crowds but there’s little doubt that the players would prefer a rocking Ibrox on derby day than an empty one.
With Celtic denied any tickets for the fixture, it’ll be a particularly hostile atmosphere for the Hoops, who lost their only other away Premiership fixture to date against Hearts late last month.
In case you missed it, the officials for Sunday’s fixture have already been confirmed.
