Reactions as rangers rivalry CEO controversies emerge

Rangers’ Scottish Premiership rivals Hibernian have gone “out on a limb” amid recent controversy involving the Old Firm sides, according to Jim White.

Hibs CEO Ben Kensell has admitted that they intend to cut both Old Firm side’s away ticket allocations for future clashes at Easter Road due to recent misbehaviour from travelling fans in the stands [Football Scotland, 28 February].

While White believes it is good to see Kensell take a stand, Simon Jordan has admitted that he doesn’t think other teams in Scotland will follow Hibernian’s plan and will instead prioritise getting as many travelling fans as possible into their stadium.

Speaking on talkSPORT on Thursday (14 March, 11:29) he said: “Hibernian have made a decision. Do I think the other 10 clubs or however many there are other than Rangers and Celtic in the SPFL are going to follow suit? I’ll be interested to see if they do.

“My experiences in football clubs say that they will endlessly disappoint you when you think you’ve made a stand for the good of football and they’ll make a stand for the good of themselves.”

White quickly replied saying: “Ben Kensell and Hibs have gone out on a limb somewhat, let’s hope the others follow and support.”

Will Rangers and Celtic’s ticket allocation be cut across the Scottish Premiership this season?

Rangers and Celtic have created some incredible visual spectacles with their pyrotechnic displays in recent years, but those sorts of atmospheres aren’t safe for supporters and steps have to be taken to prevent that behaviour

The same goes for tragedy chanting in away ends. Both Rangers and Celtic seem to be capable of having perfectly fine atmospheres at Ibrox and Parkhead respectively, but the same isn’t true when they’re away from home.

Philippe Clement’s side have been massively buoyed by the change in atmosphere around the blue half of Glasgow since the Belgian arrived at Ibrox and it would dent their title hopes if fans weren’t able to travel to away games.

Hopefully, steps will be taken by the authorities in charge north of the border to find a way to keep away ends full and rocking, while also cutting out the sort of events that have been so disgusting to see in recent months.