As the Celtic - Rangers 'away fans' row rages on, former Rangers manager Michael Beale threw a veiled dig at both clubs over their policies.
Due to a ticketing dispute and concerns for the safety of away supporters, there have been no away fans at the last four Old Firm derbies.
This was in stark contrast to yesterday's main event FA Cup tie, which saw Beale's Sunderland beaten 0-3 at home to bitter rivals Newcastle.
Michael Beale Fires Shots At Rangers And Celtic
The 6,000 strong Newcastle support made themselves heard at the sellout fixture, with Beale praising the atmosphere post-match and criticising the actions of Celtic and Rangers:
The noise in the stadium today was absolutely fantastic. Some derbies, we don't allow the fans in, and I've had that both in Brazil and Scotland. So to have the derby with some opponents' fans in and the fans working off each other, that's what keeps football going.
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"The noise was fantastic. Some derbies we don't allow the fans in..."
Michael Beale tells @andykerrtv why Sunderland vs Newcastle proved derby games need away fans.#beINFACUP #SAFC #NUFC pic.twitter.com/7V6PJ1gu1Z
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 6, 2024
Beale was sacked from his position at Rangers earlier this season, after a year in charge where he did not see much success against their dominant Old Firm rivals.
Following Sunderland's defeat yesterday, Celtic legend Chris Sutton took his own swipe at Beale by tweeting about his poor record in Scotland.
“Newcastle are so far ahead of Sunderland!!” wrote Sutton. “As one-sided a derby game since…most of Mick Beale’s recent meaningful derby games…”
Newcastle so far ahead of Sunderland!!As one sided a derby game since…most of Mick Beale’s recent meaningful derby games…
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) January 6, 2024
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