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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Philippe Clement reacts to news of no Rangers fans at Celtic Park update

Philippe Clement has delivered his reaction to the news that Rangers will have no supporters at Celtic Park for the upcoming Old Firm derby.

On Tuesday it was announced by Celtic that for the game on Saturday, December 30, the stadium would be filled entirely by home supporters. 

It's the latest twist in a long-running dispute between Glasgow's big two over the ticket allocation for away fans.

Rangers blasted the decision in a statement. The club feels they were entitled to an offer of around 750 tickets given that's what Celtic were offered for the first derby of the season in September.

Clement reinforced the sentiment of disappointment but insisted he would not get involved in political matters.

He told BBC Sportsound: "Wherever we play it's always a disappointment if there are no fans there. I don't think it happens somewhere in Europe, that they do that.

"My job is to train and coach the players of Rangers. I'm not busy with other things, or political things. Those are things for the board to make those decisions. I'm focused on football."

Meanwhile, John Lundstram could be out of action until after the winter break, Rangers boss Clement has revealed.

The midfielder was on the opposing end of a rash challenge by St Johnstone's Diallang Jaiyesimi midway through the first half. 

The on-loan Charlton striker was initially booked for the late foul, however, after the assistance of VAR, his card was upgraded to a red and he walked.

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/24004232.lundstram-kicked-off-pitch-fumes-rangers-boss-clement/ Lundstram 'kicked off the pitch' fumes Rangers boss Clement

Lundstram was forced off at half time with the resultant injury - and it's emerged he could now miss the Old Firm derby against Celtic a week on Saturday.

And Clement was unhappy with St Johnstone's players for 'kicking him off the pitch'.

He said: "The bad thing is that again, a player is kicked off the pitch. We will need to give him a full assessment tomorrow and the day after to see how he is, but at first sight, it doesn't look good. I hope I can recover him before the winter break."

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