Derek McInnes Calls Old Firm Fan Ban Disappointing

Derek McInnes brands Old Firm away fan ban “disappointing” after SPFL ruling

The fallout from last season’s ugly scenes at Ibrox has now reshaped one of world football’s fiercest fixtures – and Derek McInnes doesn’t like what it means for the spectacle.

After trouble flared in the wake of a Scottish Cup tie between Rangers and Celtic, talks over away allocations for the coming campaign have ended in a stark decision: there will be no away supporters at any SPFL league meetings between the Glasgow giants for the rest of the season.

Rangers had pushed for a reduced away allocation for the Premier Sports Cup tie at Ibrox next weekend, only for Celtic to reject the proposal. The dispute went to the SPFL, and the league has now confirmed the nuclear option – shut out away fans altogether for league encounters between the clubs.

Speaking at his Friday press conference, Kilmarnock boss McInnes gave his instant reaction after seeing the development flash up on television.

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

McInnes was careful not to speak on behalf of his club, stressing he had yet to discuss the matter internally.

“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.

What he did make clear was his belief that derby matches lose something vital when one half of the rivalry is locked out.

“But it's always better when the opposition fans are allowed into a derby game,” he said. “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 noise will go on. It just won’t sound the same without the other side in the building.