Kris Boyd claims Rangers suffered more than Celtic from the Old Firm away fan lockout.

The Sky Sports pundit cannot wait to see away fans return for this season’s Glasgow derbies.

Kris Boyd claims that the Old Firm away fan lockout harmed Rangers more than it did Celtic.

The SPFL has implemented a 5% away allocation beginning in 2024/25, following Glasgow derbies without visiting supporters last season. It means that approximately 2,500 to 3,000 Hoops fans will be permitted inside Ibrox, with the same number of Gers supporters at Parkhead.

Rangers first reduced Celtic’s allocation from 7,000 to around 750 tickets in 2018, and their rivals quickly responded. Since then, both clubs have engaged in a tit-for-tat, resulting in zero briefs being made available. However, Boyd claims that Gers suffered the most from the fallout after facing the wrath of their fans last season for failing to win any home games against Celtic.

The former Light Blues striker told Sky Sports: “It’s crucial for Scottish football. There’s nothing worse when you turn up to our biggest game and there’s no away fans there. I think it’s hindered Rangers more than Celtic to be honest. You go back to the first game at Ibrox last year.

“The place was bouncing and then all of a sudden Celtic scored and the Rangers fans vented their anger on the pitch. They had nowhere else to go with it so at least if there’s fans in there, they can have the banter between each other, as long as it’s friendly banter shall we say!”

Meanwhile, Chris Sutton is relieved to see a resolution to the ongoing fallout, which he believes will only improve Scottish football’s image.

He said, “It’s massively important. This has been going on for too long. This is one of the biggest fixtures in world football. It was more a shame on Scottish football that away fans weren’t allowed in because the fixture is better for away fans.

“I remember my first Celtic vs Rangers game, the demolition derby where we beat Rangers 6-2, I still think about walking out the tunnel and hearing both sets of fans. It was probably the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in. So it’s great to see and the game is better for away fans in.”

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