The atmosphere since Rangers cut Celtic’s allocation and the subsequent safety issues meant derbies became an all-home support affair, hasn’t been the same.

Well, there’s some good news…

CeltsAreHere can confirm the return of significant numbers of away supporters to both Ibrox and Celtic Park from next season marks a watershed moment for the fixture.

For several years, the atmosphere at these clashes has been dampened, a casualty of decisions taken in a board room. Rangers’ move to limit Celtic’s presence at Ibrox to a scant 700 supporters, confining them to a minor segment of the stadium, was a blow to the derby’s passion and appeal. The aftermath of this decision saw Celtic reciprocate, leading to a period where the absence of substantial away support became the unfortunate norm.

The scars from these decisions ran deep, with Celtic cutting the entire 700 allocation after Celtic fans were injured in the corner of Ibrox. In the shadows of these events, it was always Celtic pushing for change, advocating behind the scenes for the return of meaningful numbers of away fans and enhanced safety measures. The stance by Rangers, as articulated by CEO James Bisgrove, that Celtic would not see an increased allocation in the foreseeable future, now rings hollow.

The agreement is to allocate 5% of tickets is a directive pushed by the SPFL from UEFA, but CeltsAreHere understands both sets of clubs will enjoy around 2500 briefs for these games give or take.

The new agreement won’t take effect until next season. So we will get some semblance of the atmosphere back many of us have bemoaned.

The road to this point has been fraught, marked by negotiations and challenges. Yet, the outcome heralds a return to the days when the roar of the away supporters contributed to the unforgettable cacophony that is the Glasgow Derby.

Before then, there’s the small matter of a hostile trip to Ibrox with none of our fans in the building and vice versa after the split.

Brendan Rodgers was staring down the barrel of a two or three match suspension for comments he made after Celtic’s defeat to Hearts earlier this month.

With the SFA not seeing the case until the end of March, there was a very real possibility that the Irishman would be put in the stands for the Glasgow derby clash at Ibrox at the beginning of April.

Thanks to De Marco’s intervention the ban is only for one game and will be served this Sunday against Livingston.

While it’s not ideal, the bhoys will not have to do without their gaffer for a pivotal derby.

Speaking after the verdict on social media, De Marco wrote:

“A pleasure, as ever, to represent Celtic FC and Brendan at today’s hearing. I’m looking forward to getting back up to watch a match at Celtic Park soon again.”

Make no mistake about it, the SFA would have more than likely put a ban of at least two matches on Brendan had Celtic not vigorously opposed the charge.

In the background of all of this circus has been the resignation of the head of referees due to an unofficial vote of no confidence among the members of the SPFL.

Celtic were gobsmacked when the charge was announced and made it clear their position on referees and VAR.

For the hoops, it’s all about getting on with the matter at hand. We have a vital game against Livingston at the weekend where if we don’t win, the Derby could pass us by.

Celtic were subject to incredible VAR interventions at Tynecastle under Beaton’s watch. The hand ball decision to award Hearts a penalty was particular dubious.

Brendan Rodgers called it out and the SFA’s response was to charge him with criticising officials.

Celtic have maintained since that date that would challenge the charge and throw their full weight behind Brendan Rodgers. They didn’t and have come out with a one-match ban, which vitally means the Celtic manager can be in the dugout for the Glasgow derby.

However, the club remain unsatisfied and believe their man should have walked away with no bad.

Writing on the website the club wrote.

Following a hearing by the SFA disciplinary panel today (Thursday), Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been issued with a two-match suspension. One match is immediate and will apply to this Sunday’s Premiership game against Livingston, while one match is suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season.

A Celtic Football Club statement said: “Clearly, we are disappointed with the outcome of today’s hearing, although we will accept the panel’s decision.

“The Manager appeared at the hearing today, and his defence was presented robustly and thoroughly.

“Like many other clubs, we will continue to press for the highest standards in relation to the VAR process in Scottish football.” 

Celtic now go into the Livingston game without their manager in the technical area. The responsibility will fall to John Kennedy in this instance. While it’s great Rodgers will be in the dugout for Ibrox, it will mean nothing if Celtic drop points at Livi.

Brendan Rodgers shared his enthusiasm for what he believes to be an “exciting period” ahead for his squad. Yet, it was Gerry McCulloch’s comments during the interview that stirred significant intrigue among the Celtic faithful.

The spotlight fell on the returns of pivotal figures within the team, including the captain, Callum McGregor, whose comeback from injury was highlighted as “imminent” by McCulloch, dispelling the swirling rumours that McGregor might have been sidelined for the remainder of the season. The reintegration of CCV and Reo Hatate alongside McGregor could be the boost Celtic need to get over the line.

Rodgers acknowledged the importance of all three players, talking up the positive impact their availability could have on the team’s aspirations. However, a shadow of concern was cast by Rodgers’ reticence to detail McGregor’s initial injury woes, leaving some to speculate on the underlying issues.

Celtic’s fate fixture could be decided with the next four games; Livingston and Rangers away from home, followed by St Mirren at Celtic Park, and a pivotal semi-final clash with Aberdeen at Hampden.

The return of McGregor, a talismanic figure whose leadership on the field has been sorely missed, could not be more timely.

Celtic supporters remain hopeful that the return of their captain and key players will be enough to get them over the line.

The former Celtic winger who left in a big-money move to Charlotte FC has been glowing in his praise of the club. His farewell message to fans was very emotional and poignant. He also admitted leaving Celtic was never the plan.

CeltsAreHere is aware that there was nobody at the club who wanted to push Liel out and actively supported him during a tough time. The crux of the issue came from Celtic supporters’ vocal and visible support of Palestine. From what we can gather, Liel was heavily pushed to leave Celtic because of that by those back in Israel.

It was a burden a young, talented footballer should never have had on his shoulders. However, the pressure was there and Liel took the best decision he could for himself.

As he gets ready to take on the new challenge at Charlotte he was caught for a quick interview at the airport by an Israeli broadcaster who again tried to bring up his Celtic exit.

Liel spoke about the homesickness at times, but over and above that, he branded his time at Celtic as amazing.

He told Sport 1: “It was really not easy being far away, but I had time with my family and friends now to see everyone. I had an amazing time at Celtic and now my head is on a new journey.

“I hope I can represent the country with respect. I had some time now with family and friends and now I’m embarking on a new journey.”

On life at Charlotte, Abada added: “The feelings are very good. I’m waiting to get there and meet everyone and start my journey.”

Liel came in under Ange Postecoglou and has written his little piece of Celtic history by playing his part in what is now the infamous February night Glasgow derby under the lights, where a new Celtic emerged from the rubble of the previous season.

We wish Liel nothing but the best for the future.

Stephen Welsh, Celtic’s defender, shared his sentiments on Hart’s retirement, encapsulating the mood within the camp. “We were all a wee bit gutted, to be honest,” Welsh told Record Sport. “Joe has been an absolute revelation for us. Honestly.”

Hart’s impact at Celtic extends beyond his contributions on the pitch. Welsh highlighted how Hart has been a role model, especially for younger players. “Since he has come into the club, people have seen it on the pitch, but off the pitch, he’s been probably a role model for young boys, lads like me,” he said.

The sense of security Hart provides, coupled with his remarkable saves and off-field guidance, underscores his invaluable presence within the team. Something that will leave a hole in the dressing room next season.

Celtic’s season still holds a lot of promise, with the team still contending for two trophies. Despite Hart’s impending departure, the team’s spirits remain high, buoyed by the prospect of securing the league title and advancing in the Scottish Cup, with a critical semi-final against Aberdeen looming.

Joe Hart’s retirement announcement may bring an end to his days guarding the Celtic net, but his legacy is far from over. His influence resonates not just in the spectacular saves and the matches won but in the lives of young players he has inspired and the community he has helped forge. As Celtic continues to compete at the highest level, Hart’s ethos and dedication will undoubtedly remain a guiding force for the team.

In reflecting on Hart’s career, it’s clear that his contribution to football, has been profound.

After hanging up his boots, the Swede immediately pursued his DBA Elite UEFA B/A certification for former elite players.

On Wednesday it was announced he has now officially taken on a role in Sweden, taking a hands on position in VSK’s academy. [VSK] VSK are a Swedish top flight side who were promoted back in 2023.

It’s believed Lustig was lending them their expertise before a more formal approach was made. The former fullback will now help oversee the academy and different teams as the club looks to evolve.

The Celtic icon will have so much information and experience to pass onto the young players coming through the ranks. The jersey VSK wear will also be very familiar to Lustig, with the Swedish side turning out in green and white too!

Mikael was a fantastic servant for Celtic and played in some incredibly talented teams over the years in Glasgow. From winning the Invincible treble to stealing a police hat, there was never a dull moment. We wish him well in his new role.

Rodgers is currently under scrutiny by the Scottish FA’s disciplinary panel following his outspoken criticism of referee Don Robertson and VAR John Beaton during Celtic’s 2-0 defeat to Hearts. Describing the officials’ performances as ‘incompetent’, Rodgers now finds himself in a precarious situation, with a potential minimum two-game suspension hanging over his head. Such a ban would see him absent from the dugout for critical away fixtures against Livingston and Rangers.

Speaking on Go Radio’s Football Show, Grant expressed his concerns about the implications of a ban for Rodgers, especially with the timing coinciding with the fiery Celtic-Rangers match at Ibrox. “Let me tell you, if he misses the Celtic-Rangers game for whatever reason, you know what people are going to be saying then. You know it’s going to be making a mockery of Scottish football. You know the conspiracy theorists everybody talks about? That will be building up,” said Grant.

The potential absence of Rodgers for such a crucial match is stirring the pot of speculation and fear of bias within the league, with Grant adding, “You’re going there without fans and your manager. You know what everyone will be talking about if Brendan is banned for that game where the away supporters are already away from it.”

Despite the brewing storm, Grant is keen to downplay the notion of any deliberate targeting of Celtic by the football authorities. “I don’t think there’s a conspiracy against Celtic. I don’t think there’s a conspiracy against anyone,” he insisted.

Rodgers should have no case to answer. He expressed a frustration with the level of competency with how VAR is being used. Since the Irishman’s comments, head of referees Crawford Allan has announced his exit, although he’s staying in the role as a lame duck until the summer.

Whatever way you slice it, any ban for Rodgers could be seen as Crawford settling scores on the way out. His comments weren’t over the score, it should be simple enough to shut this down.

After some struggles Yang was beginning to come on to a game when the ridiculous decision to send him off at Tynecastle happened. It meant Celtic and Rodgers had to look around for who could replace Yang.

The Irishman decided to give Nicolas Kuhn a chance after putting in some below par performances since coming into the club.

As a result, Kuhn has really started to come onto a game and given Celtic another option on the wing. Kuhn was lacking in confidence and would still have been struggling for game time had Yang not been sent off.

Speaking about Yang, Rodgers reiterated there’s no blame coming from him or the club for the sending off, but did acknowledge Kuhn benefitting from the game time as a result.

“I can see his progress, he did great against Dundee [in the 7-1 win] and he has been progressing every day in training,” Rodgers told The Herald.

“We spoke to him, it wasn’t his fault [the red card against Hearts], it was unfortunate and sadly he has missed a couple of games.

“He will be back and feeling great and if anything, it gave us the opportunity to put Nicolas Kuhn in as well.

“Now he looks like he has come onto his game and looking stronger. He looks a different player in training now. So, it’s been a great opportunity for him.

“If nothing else, after those couple of games, what we gained from that is game time for Nicolas who has shown up really well, then Yang comes back and we have two really good players for that position.”

Rodgers has a hearing scheduled for Thursday which will determine if he will be in the dugout for Celtic next three games or if he’ll have to watch from the stands.

With Celtic currently nudging ahead by the slimmest of margins – a mere point separating them from Rangers, albeit having played a game more – the stage is set for a grandstand finish. The fixture list throws up two potentially seismic derbies; one at Ibrox before the SPFL split and another at Celtic Park afterwards. In a season that has twisted and turned, Ledley’s observations offer a glimpse into the mindset of a man who has been through it all.

“It is very tight and, of course, the games between the two teams look as if they are going to be deciding games that dictate who comes out on top,” Ledley told RecordSport.

However, in a season dotted with unexpected stumbles from both teams, Ledley cautions against presuming the title race is a straightforward duel. “But I have seen a few times this season that Celtic and Rangers have slipped up in games where you felt they would have won and they didn’t. So it is going to be tight. Getting that win against your rivals in the last two games in the league is vital.”

“But, as I said, we’ve seen it numerous times this season that there have been slips just when you do not expect it. So if Celtic get that win against Rangers, you can’t think that’s it and the game is over. It’s not. Far from it.”

The spectre of a draw or an unexpected defeat looms large around every corner, with Ledley highlighting the razor-thin margins that could determine the destination of the title. “A draw somewhere and that is two points of the three points gained gone and it is all back on again. Goal difference is tight, points are tight, it is going to be one of the tightest finishes in a long time.”

In the words of Joe Ledley, then, lies the essence of this title race: unpredictable, unforgiving, and undeniably exciting. As the final chapters of the season await, the sage advice of a Celtic hero could go a long way.