The fallout from chaotic scenes during the latest Old Firm clash continues to reverberate across Scottish football.
Violence following the match at Ibrox has sparked criticism from authorities and former players alike, with fears the damage could affect future fixtures between the two rivals.
What has Graeme Souness said about the Old Firm after Sunday's scenes?
Former Rangers manager and club legend Graeme Souness believes the disorder witnessed at Ibrox Stadium could mean large away allocations never return in matches against arch-rivals Celtic.
Sunday’s game ended with the Bhoys progressing after a penalty shootout victory, but the match was overshadowed by violent scenes afterwards.
Police made nine arrests as rival supporters clashed on the pitch, with several police officers, stewards and fans injured, including a 10-year-old child. One man was also arrested following an alleged assault on a Celtic player and a member of the coaching staff.
The fixture had seen the return of a full away allocation of around 7,500 supporters, restoring the traditional derby atmosphere. However, Souness fears that the arrangement could now be scrapped.
“I don’t think the away end will be full again, ever,” he said via the Daily Mail. “It’s a small element of supporters that react to defeat in a negative way.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll see that again. What happened on Sunday will mean we won’t see away supporters in the stadium again, not in those numbers anyway.”
Souness also criticised both clubs for remaining silent in the immediate aftermath, arguing they should respond publicly as investigations begin.
FGG says: A minority has ruined it for the majority in future Old Firm fixtures
Few rivalries in world football carry the intensity of the Old Firm.
The return of full away allocations was meant to restore one of the defining features of matches between Rangers and Celtic, by allowing two sets of supporters to generate a unique atmosphere inside the stadium.
If that experiment is reversed again, it will be a major disappointment for the thousands of fans who want to attend these fixtures responsibly.
But incidents like those seen at Ibrox at the weekend highlight the delicate balance authorities must manage. When safety becomes the overriding concern, governing bodies often err on the side of caution.
If larger away sections disappear again, it will underline a familiar truth in football – the actions of a small minority can reshape the experience for everyone else.