Rangers v Celtic full capacity ‘available’ despite crowd limit rumours prior to Nicola Sturgeon update

Glasgow City council have confirmed that a full house is “available” for Sunday’s Rangers v Celtic game.

Ahead of the First Minister ’s live Covid update this afternoon, rumours were rife that a limit would be placed on the attendance limit for the Premiership clash at Ibrox.

With cases on the rise in Scotland, there were fears that the first meeting of the season between Steven Gerrard and Ange Postecoglou could see a reduced crowd, perhaps as low as 23,000.

But Sturgeon confirmed that outdoor events seeking a capacity of more than 5,000 would still have to apply to the local authority where the event was taking place.

Glasgow City Council have previously okayed full houses for games involving both clubs in recent weeks and they have confirmed they’ll do the same for the match this weekend.

A spokesman said: “Full capacity is available for August 29 and on an ongoing basis, unless covid-related guidance or restrictions change.

“Clubs’ ticketing arrangements may make a difference to the actual number of spectators in the ground.”

Sturgoen had out the ball back in the Council’s court, reiterating that decisions wouldn’t be taken lightly given the rise in Covid cases recently.

“On the issue of capacity on stadiums, you will know we still have a capacity limit which there is an approval,” said the First Minister.

“Obviously with football matches with stadiums, it has to go through this process.

“I’m not going to pre-empt decisions about matches in the coming days.

“But I think everyone can expect them to be taken very carefully.”

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Only home supporters are set to attend the big one after Rangers rescinded their ticket offer to Celtic.

The Givan outfit were set to allow away fins in, but changed their minds after their rivals were unable to guarantee that the arrangement would be reciprocated for the return fixture at Celtic Park.