Rangers v Celtic: The rulebook says Celtic could be handed just 50 tickets at Ibrox

The rules are pretty clear

In theory, Celtic could be offered next to no away allocation at all.

BBC Sport Scotland went through the Scottish Professional Football League’s cup regulations and found the obligation on a home club is remarkably light: 50 tickets, made up of 10 for the directors’ box and 40 for the stand.

Celtic were given a full stand at Ibrox when the sides met in March, an occasion after which both clubs were cited following unrest at the ground.

What the Rangers v Celtic rulebook says

SPFL cup competition regulations, as quoted by BBC Sport Scotland, state: "The Home Club shall forward to the Visiting Club ‘without charge’ tickets, in the numbers set out below, so that they will be in the hands of the Visiting Club on or before the fifth day before the Match — 10 for Directors’ Box, 40 for the Stand."

It is effectively the only ticketing stipulation applying up to and including the quarter-finals. Anything beyond those 50 briefs is for the clubs and the police to negotiate.

Both sides arrive in form, as Rangers thumped holders St Mirren for Derek McInnes’ first win in the competition.

Meanwhile, Celtic saw off a wasteful Dundee United and are also preparing for their Champions League campaign.

Whether Ibrox’s away end is full or all but empty now rests on those talks.