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Hugh Keevins has taken aim at Celtic over the away ticket debate, but his argument depends on claims that simply do not stand up to scrutiny. The criticism is clear, but the detail behind it raises more questions than it answers.
Celtic’s position has been framed as unnecessary, with calls for the club to allow a full Rangers allocation at Parkhead.
Keevins’ case relies on specific claims about ultras, ticket numbers, and past decisions that are presented as fact.
When the Superscoreboard pundit’s claims are examined alongside how allocations are actually decided, the argument quickly begins to fall apart.
Do you reckon these reduced allocations have taken the edge off the Glasgow derby?
Credit: Getty Images/Mark Runnacles Hugh Keevins makes two baseless ticket claims about Celtic and Rangers ultras
Speaking on Superscoreboard, Keevins said: “My understanding is that the Union Bears will get 70 of the 2,200 tickets available, 1%. I also would draw attention to the fact that the first three arrests after the game at Ibrox in the cup were two 47-year-old men and a 54-year-old man who are not quite in the Ultras category. So, I think that Celtic have been a little hasty and a little unnecessary in this.
“I think 2,200 Rangers supporters, including 70 Ultras, I think that Celtic could accommodate that, look after that, with the help of Police Scotland. Everyone can turn and look at Celtic and say, well, you banned the Green Brigade, but sold them tickets for Ibrox and you also got them back when the league title was within sight. And everyone was sceptical over the reasons that they had done that.
“I think it’s only fair that Rangers get those 2,200 tickets. And I think that Celtic should mediate with the SPFL and put all the cars on the table and let’s have some big grown up boys out there. This can be solved.”
Keevins builds his argument on the claim that the Union Bears would receive 70 tickets, but no evidence is provided for that number.
The same lack of proof applies to the suggestion Celtic sold the Green Brigade tickets for Ibrox, which is stated as fact without any supporting detail.
Those points carry the weight of the criticism, yet neither is backed up, which leaves the overall argument exposed.
Celtic ticket process already set by SPFL structure
The debate centres on a figure of 2,200 tickets, but that number is not simply handed over by Celtic. It was decided and agreed upon earlier this season.
The allocation now sits within a framework where the SPFL will determine what happens from here after Rangers rejected Celtic’s ticket offer with the Union Bears told they are not welcome at Parkhead.
That removes the idea that Celtic are acting alone, which is central to the criticism being directed at the club.
Keevins is criticising Celtic on claims that are not backed up, and that leaves his argument with nothing solid behind it.
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