That is the view of ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the latest news involving both clubs.

The Daily Record reported on 1 November that Rangers fans will be locked out of the clash at Celtic Park on 2 January.

The move is understood to be in response to Rangers’ refusal to admit Hoops supporters for the first derby meeting of the season on 29 August.

Reigning champions Ranger currently hold a four-point lead over cross-city rivals Celtic, and the 2 January clash could be the most significant in years.

Kenny called on both clubs to abandon their tit-for-tat approach and give the world-famous derby the respect it deserves.

“This is really disappointing, in my eyes,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s Celtic or Rangers, you need away fans when it comes to these Old Firm derbies.

“Whether it’s politics or something else, I just think it’s ridiculous. Surely a rivalry like that is so much better when you’ve got two sets of fans there.

“I’ve never been to one, but I’d love to go. The atmosphere looks incredible even through a television screen.

“Whatever the issue is, they need to sort it out because it’s such a shame for fans of either team to miss a game like that.”