Calls for bigger away ends after “electric” atmosphere
7’000 Hibs fans filled away end at Celtic Park
By Lewis Blaikie
Hibernian travelled to Celtic Park on Sunday in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup. The Edinburgh outfit came into the game on a great run of form, but it was not their performances that got people talking, it was their fans.
Over 7’000 Hibs faithful took up the away end at Parkhead, making it the biggest away attendance since before the pandemic.
Celtic ran away comfortable 2-0 winners thanks to a first-half Daizen Maeda strike and a 90th minute goal from Adam Idah, which sees Brendan Rodgers’ side set for yet another appearance at the national stadium as they chase the domestic treble for a record-breaking 9th time.
Despite the result, the Hibees were in fine voice right up to the final whistle, which poses the question, should more away fans be allowed into Scotland’s biggest games?
Standard sport spoke to Celtic fans outside Celtic Park after the game, who are all for it.
“It had a proper big game feel to it, that away end is what football is all about” one fan said.
Another supporter told us “It was a great advert for the game to see that many away fans”.
“Bring back this allocation for the derby games, it was electric and really added to the overall atmosphere” another added.
Michael Ross writes for CeltsAreHere, and he also advocates for bigger away ends in Scotland.
“I was at the game on Sunday, and it was so good to see such a vibrant away end. It’s something that has been seriously missed since the pandemic.
“An allocation like that is what gave the Glasgow Derby its name, so its good to see it again, despite it not being a derby.
Ross thinks that the Hibs tie could serve pivotal in any potential future allocation talks.
“It will hopefully pave the way for discussions further down the line to increase the derby allocation back to its biggest and best, as yesterday showed that it can be a success.
“The future for Scottish football looks exciting, we’ve shown we can handle big away allocations again which is a great first step, as well as this there are obviously talks ongoing to bring alcohol back to football as well, so we will have to wait and see what happens with that, but things do look exciting”.
Police Scotland were said to be willing to allow pilot projects to sell alcohol at Scottish football, documents revealed last week.
The alcohol ban has been in place in Scottish football since 1981, and there are now finally signs that this could be getting lifted, and fan culture in Scotland is getting even better.
However, First Minister John Swinney, has said that he is “not sympathetic” to the cause and believes that the processes and protocols in place work and are there for a reason, despite being pictured before the euros enjoying a pint of Germany’s finest lager.
Despite these remarks, the door is not closed on the possibility of a change in the law, which would be a welcomed change to Scottish football.
