Celtic fans defied the ban to watch Ghirls perform at Ibrox and give Ibrox club a message.

Several wore T-shirts with the message ‘football without fans is nothing’, a clear dig at the Ibrox club for shutting visiting fans out.

Celtic fans were seen celebrating in Ibrox at the end of the SWPL derby, despite Rangers cancelling ALL away tickets on short notice.

Fans from both sides were expected to attend the table-topping clash, but Rangers announced late last week that all away tickets had been pulled. They claimed it was due to intelligence that ‘risk’ supporters had purchased briefs, but Celtic issued a statement calling the decision ‘hugely disappointing.’

Some fans, however, believe that where there is a will, there is a way. The game, which ended 1-1 after Natasha Flint’s early second-half goal was cancelled out by Rangers’ Mia McAulay, was broadcast live on BBC Alba. TV cameras captured footage of the players celebrating with a small group of visiting fans who had entered the stadium. As they applauded their heroes, several wore T-shirts with the message ‘football without fans is nothing’, a clear dig at the Ibrox club for shutting visiting fans out.

PC: Colin Poultney

It comes against the backdrop of a deadlock between the men’s teams, who continue to refuse to allow away fans into Ibrox or Parkhead for league derbies. The Light Blues offered Celtic tickets for the match at Ibrox in September, but the Hoops declined, citing security concerns.

It remains to be seen whether that impasse can be resolved before the season’s end, with the next men’s Premiership derby scheduled for April 7. The women will also meet at least once this term, though the post-split schedule has yet to be announced.

In other news, Brendan Rodgers has previously described the £15 million player as ‘world class’, and he could be Celtic’s ideal free agent signing.