Celtic have refused Rangers' ticket offer for the upcoming derby match at Ibrox.
Michael Beale’s side will have the backing of every supporter in the stadium as the Hoops turned down the allocation of away tickets in the corner of the Sandy Jardine Stand and Broomloan Stand.
It's understood Rangers handed their arch-Glasgow rivals 708 tickets for the powderkeg fixture on Sunday, September 3.
Following the advice of healthy & safety experts at Ibrox, Rangers were completely satisfied that there would be no access issues posed to the travelling supporters, something that Celtic had previously highlighted concerns about. Some of the security measures proposed the use of additional stewarding and policing.
While extra measures were in place some provisions such as netting around the away corner at Ibrox would not be ready in time for next month's fixture.
Celtic rejected the offer of the tickets and will therefore have no away supporters inside Ibrox for the first derby encounter of the 2023/24 campaign.
It follows on from the last two league matches between the sides at either Ibrox or Celtic Park where the stadium was housed entirely by home supporters.
As Herald & Times previously reported though, Rangers will demand that Celtic honour their obligation to provide tickets for the second instalment of the fixture later in the campaign.
It is also understood that the Ibrox club have contacted the SPFL informally over the matter.
Herald and Times Sport also understands while any of the 42 SPFL clubs can write to the SPFL board to seek a determination on such an issue, no formal request has been received from any club this season.
Under Rule I27 of the SPFL's laws, despite Rangers' offer to Celtic being refused, Ibrox chiefs will expect that their offer of just over 700 tickets is reciprocated.
It reads: "The Home club must make provision for the admission of such reasonable number of visiting supporters at every home League Match and Play-Off Match as may be agreed in advance with the Visiting Club and, in the event of their being unable to agree such number not later than 14 days prior to the date of the League Match or Play-Off Match in question, the number of visiting supporters allowed shall be determined by the Board whose decision shall be final and binding."
Despite the possible SPFL sanctions, it is understood Celtic are prepared to double down and the Scottish champions will not allow away fans at Parkhead for the New Year derby fixture.
Gers chief executive James Bisgrove recently addressed the issue of ticket allocations at a fan forum event earlier this summer.
Bisgrove said: “We’ve now sold out our season tickets again for next season which is phenomenal — 45,000.
“The away allocation opportunity for next season is in the corner of the Govan West stand, which means the maximum we can do is 700-800.
“But that’s subject to what the rest of the stakeholders bring to that conversation and we’ll see where it goes thereafter.”
