Derek McInnes Calls Decision to Lock Out Away Fans Disappointing

Derek McInnes has branded the decision to lock out away fans from the remaining league derbies between Celtic and Rangers this season as “disappointing”, insisting the spectacle is always richer when both supports are inside the ground.

The call comes in the wake of ugly flashpoints at Ibrox last season following a Scottish Cup tie between the Glasgow rivals. Tensions around allocations have simmered ever since.

Ahead of next weekend’s Premier Sports Cup clash at Ibrox, Rangers pushed for a reduced away section for Celtic fans. Celtic rejected that proposal. Talks with the SPFL followed, and the league has now confirmed a hard-line outcome: no away supporters at any SPFL meetings between the clubs for the rest of the campaign.

Speaking at his Friday press conference, Kilmarnock boss McInnes admitted he had only just seen the development.

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

“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.

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

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

“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 away ends will stay empty. The noise, for now, will be one-sided.