Ally McCoist Drops Statement Calling Celtic a “Disgrace” Over Old Firm Ticket Lockout – His Pitch Invasion Logic Is Laughable.
Ally McCoist has stirred things up again, this time launching a scathing attack on Celtic over the decision to block Rangers supporters from attending next month’s Glasgow derby.
The former Rangers striker didn’t hold back, branding the club’s stance a “disgrace” after Celtic made it clear they wouldn’t allocate away tickets unless certain guarantees were put in place regarding fan conduct. It’s the latest in a string of outspoken comments from McCoist, who only recently criticised how Scottish football fixtures are organised before later softening his position.
Now, his frustration is focused on Celtic’s refusal to admit visiting supporters amid ongoing concerns about safety and behaviour. Rangers had reportedly asked for league intervention after Celtic insisted that specific groups linked to past trouble should not be allowed entry.
Speaking on the matter, McCoist mocked the situation, suggesting Celtic might as well hand-pick which opposition fans they want in the stadium. He described the whole scenario as embarrassing and unfair, arguing that it sets a worrying precedent.
He also revisited recent flashpoints between the two sets of supporters, pointing to pitch invasions and the chaos that followed. While acknowledging that Rangers fans reacted poorly, he implied the situation may not have escalated had Celtic supporters not entered the pitch in the first place.
A Reaction Driven by Loyalty?
Despite McCoist’s strong words, Celtic’s stance is not without reasoning. From their perspective, restricting access to fans linked with previous incidents — including flare-throwing and confrontations with staff — is about ensuring safety rather than making a statement.
While most agree that pitch invasions from either side are unacceptable, McCoist’s suggestion that one side alone triggered the disorder feels overly simplistic. Critics would argue he’s shifting responsibility away from those directly involved and broadening blame in a way that doesn’t reflect the full picture.
Celtic are not attempting to individually select opposing supporters, but rather pushing for assurances that known troublemakers won’t be present. For many, that’s a reasonable request given the circumstances.
Ultimately, McCoist’s comments come across as heavily influenced by his Rangers ties. Passion is expected in rivalries this fierce, but in this case, it may be clouding a more balanced view of the situation.
