First look at new Rangers away end netting as segregation measures get Old Firm trial run for Fenerbahce clash
THIS is the first look at the new netting designed to separate home and away fans at Ibrox.
Earlier today we reported that Celtic had erected their own safety netting ahead of the visit of Rangers in the Old Firm fixture this weekend.
And while Gers won't be hosting their rivals in a derby clash until April at the earliest, their segregation measures will be put to use tonight when Fenerbahce come to Glasgow in their Europa League match.
Gers are hosting the Turkish giants in the second leg of their last-16 tie, and the home side have the advantage of a 3-1 lead from the first leg in Istanbul.
The netting has been mounted about a third of the way along the Broomloan Stand, with the visiting Fenerbahce supporters taking up some of that stand and the West Enclosure of the ground.
Celtic lodged an application with the council for safety netting back in June last year, in preparation for the return of travelling supporters to Glasgow derby fixtures.
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The first planning application for a warrant reads: "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."
Rangers followed suit a couple of months later - despite the team being locked out of Ibrox itself due to ongoing building works that ran beyond schedule - as they wrote to Glasgow City Council in August for permission to install removable netting.
The installation of safety netting was a key component in both clubs, the SPFL and Police Scotland agreeing to allow away fans back into Old Firm games following a lockout that stretched back to 2023.
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A ticket deal was thrashed out last month when the lockout finally came to an end, much to the delight of former players and most punters.
Celtic wrote: "We can confirm that following the previous SPFL determination from last year and with necessary requirements being addressed, away supporters will be present at the next two Glasgow derby matches this season at Celtic Park (March 16) and Ibrox.
"Allocations will be around 4% of saleable capacity at both stadia
"Further ticket information will be provided in due course."
And Rangers said: "Rangers supporters will be able to attend our match with Celtic on March 16, with the two clubs agreeing for a reciprocal percentage of tickets to be allocated to away fans.
"Approximately four per-cent of saleable capacity at both stadia will be given to the visiting club, with everyne at Rangers looking forward to having the backing of our supporters in the East End of Glasgow in just over a fortnight’s time.
"The arrangement will then be repeated for the Old Firm derby at Ibrox following the split.
"Specific ticketing information will be communicated to eligible supporters in due course."
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