Celtic may turn down tickets for Old Firm clash at Ibrox

Celtic are considering refusing their allocation of tickets for the upcoming Old Firm game at Ibrox on December 29 due to concerns about fan safety.

The issue was raised at Celtic's AGM on Wednesday, when chief executive Peter Lawwell explained to the club's shareholders that supporters ought to stay away from the notoriously fiery fixture if they have any worries regarding their safety. The Glasgow clubs continue to reduce the ticket allocation for their rivals and several problems followed the changes to the segregation of fans this year. Rangers cut Celtic's away allocation for the derby in May and Celtic responded by offering Rangers supporters even fewer tickets for the first Old Firm game of this season in September. Five people were injured as they tried to gain entry to the latter game when a crush took place at Celtic Park two months ago. And with Gers offering 800 tickets to the defending Scottish Premiership champions for the clash next month, Celtic intend to consult Rangers' Safety Officer and Police Scotland before listening to supporters' opinions and making a decision on whether or not to accept the allocation. A Celtic statement said: "The forthcoming Premiership match at Ibrox on December 29, in which the allocation of tickets for Celtic supporters has been cut to around 800, was raised, with shareholders expressing their concern for the safety of Celtic fans who would attend the game. "The club confirmed that there are ongoing discussions with the relevant bodies, as well as supporters' groups, before making a final decision on whether to recommend that no tickets should be taken for the fixture. "The safety of Celtic supporters is always the number one priority for the board, something which was also stressed when crowding problems at the Celtic v Rangers game at Celtic Park back in September was raised."