Derek McInnes Disappointed by Away Fans Lockout at Celtic v Rangers Matches

Derek McInnes admits he is disappointed by the decision to lock out away fans from Celtic v Rangers league fixtures for the rest of the season, describing derbies as “always better” with both sets of supporters inside the ground.

The Kilmarnock manager was speaking after the SPFL confirmed there will be no away allocation for Premiership meetings between the Glasgow rivals this term, a move that follows the ugly flashpoints at Ibrox after last season’s Scottish Cup tie.

Rangers had proposed a reduced away allocation for next weekend’s Premier Sports Cup tie at Ibrox. Celtic rejected that offer. Talks with league officials ended with a hard line: no away fans at any SPFL clashes between the clubs for the remainder of the campaign.

McInnes learned of the development in real time.

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

He chose his words carefully, stressing he had not yet discussed the issue internally at Kilmarnock.

“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,” he added. “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 Old Firm spectacle will go on. The noise will still be deafening. Yet for the rest of this league season, it will be a one-sided roar.