The comprehensive Celtic plan for Rangers fan return as images of safety nets emerge amid £2.6m installation

Away fans are finally getting back into the Old Firm clash as Celtic Park safety measures implemented to end lock out

At long last there will be away fans at an Old Firm derby as Celtic host their rivals this weekend.

But the 2,500 Rangers fans inside Parkhead are in for a new experience with new safety measures in place.

The tit for tat ticket spat has rumbled on since 2023, with both clubs locking away fans out of their respective grounds, with fan safety one of the reasons given. However, an agreement has been struck to end the away fan ban, with 4 per cent of tickets now being sold to travelling supporters. And images have emerged on social media showing black netting that has been put up around the away end.

Situated in the corner of the stadium between the Main Stand and the Jock Stein Stand, Gers punters will be surrounded by black safety netting after a spate of missile throwing incidents in this fixture.

It's understood similar measures will be taken for the return fixtures at Ibrox next season, while Celtic chiefs have installed a £2.6million segregation fence to keep rival fans apart on Sunday.

A planning application submitted to Glasgow City Council last summer read: "Installation of temporary netting to the Southeast corner between the home and away support. The netting is installed before each Celtic vs Rangers match and disassembled after."

The last derby clash of the season between the pair is of little consequence on the park. Brendan Rodgers' side are 13 points clear at the top of the Premiership table and are three wins away from retaining the title.

Barry Ferguson's men will be hoping they have a Europa League quarter-final to look forward to, with their second leg clash against Fenerbahce taking place tonight and Gers 3-1 up from the first leg.

But all eyes will still be on Celtic Park this Sunday and especially on the stands to determine whether the new safety measures prove worthwhile after so much bickering between the clubs.

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