Away fans prepare for return to Old Firm clash

The nets are up, the police say they're ready and both managers have welcomed a return to something approaching Old Firm normality. On Sunday, it's over to the fans.

With wry smiles and rolling eyes, the majority of Celtic and Rangers supporters would now admit to having missed each other these last two years.

Critics have often described the fixture's atmosphere in the past as poisonous or toxic and, while there are undoubtedly continued issues around sectarian singing, it remains Scottish football's biggest spectacle and its most sellable asset.

The rivalry created by the fans makes it one of the most intense fixtures in world football.

It was for that reason that the SPFL stepped in last year to try and negotiate the return of away fans.

As Celtic's dominance over their rivals took hold, Rangers fans had, understandably, became increasingly frustrated at their rivals partying in their thousands inside Ibrox.

After appointing Steven Gerrard as manager in 2018, the club decided to sell season tickets in the stand historically set aside for Celtic's visit and the away allocation was cut in 2018.

What followed was seven years of ticket turmoil, not helped by the Covid pandemic.

Both clubs criticised each other over security arrangements and safety of the small number of travelling fans and inevitably drawbridges were pulled up completely.

Some hardened fans said it was for the best and the absence of their rivals on match day didn't affect the atmosphere but most soon realised that it just wasn't the same.

The negotiations to break the deadlock have been lengthy and delicate, involving the police, the clubs and the league.

But with a deal now reached, which will see 2,400 Rangers fans attend Sunday's match, everyone involved will be watching on with extra interest.

As part of the negotiations, both clubs agreed to install huge nets to prevent fans being struck by missiles.

It's an unenviable first for the Scottish domestic game and a depressing reminder of what often goes on during this fixture.

Nets have been used for decades by clubs in many leagues across Europe but it was thought, until now, that UK stadia CCTV would be good enough to catch the culprits and deter those tempted to step out of line.

Both clubs are hoping they won't have to be permanent features.

Scottish football has been pushing for the police and the justice system to be tougher on unacceptable conduct inside stadia and the police's approach to safety inside both grounds was a key part of the negotiations.

Police Scotland says its officers are well used to dealing with big football matches and have taken time to try and reassure the public that the ticketing change won't phase them.

What they have struggled to deal with in recent years, though, is the rise of violent clashes between ultras groups who associate themselves with both clubs, away from the grounds.

Officers were caught out and Christmas shoppers were forced to cower for cover in city centre shops when huge groups of fans chased and fought each other in chaotic scenes in Glasgow in December.

Since then, Police Scotland has not hesitated to reach for extra powers that allows officers to stop and search those suspected of being involved.

For decades, this fixture kept the police stretched with drunken sporadic violence. But these days it's the organised fighting that poses the biggest threat.

What can be forgotten, though, is that the disorder and violence is the exception not the rule.

The vast majority of supporters will go along to support their team and leave either delighted or deflated because of what happens on the field of play.

Yes, they will also shout and taunt their rivals, take pleasure in their misfortune and bite back at their jibes, but they'll do it whilst creating an atmosphere that is the envy of some the richest leagues on the planet.

Celtic are keen for a return to the pre-2018 ticketing arrangement that saw around 7,000 away fans allowed to attend the fixture.

Rangers have made it clear that season ticket sales at Ibrox would make that impractical.

For now, both clubs and their fans are united in the belief that the latest move is a step in the right direction at least.