Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has strongly criticised Rangers' decision to offer just 300 tickets for next month's League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. Speaking after a 2-1 Premiership win over Falkirk, O'Neill suggested the club might as well refuse the allocation entirely.

Why is the ticket allocation so small?

The reduced offer from Rangers follows sanctions from the Scottish FA. Both Old Firm clubs must play their next Scottish Cup home games behind closed doors and pay £100,000 to the opposition. These punishments relate to crowd disorder after last season's Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox, which Celtic won on penalties. Around 8,000 Celtic supporters were present for that match, a figure far larger than the typical away allocation for Premiership fixtures. Rangers have cited the need to prevent further pitch invasions as the reason for cutting Celtic's tickets for the September 13 cup tie.

O'Neill made his feelings clear. "We might as well not get any, if that's the case," he said, according to a report from BBC Sport Football. The manager believes the famous fixture benefits from decent away support, arguing the best atmosphere is created when away fans have their proper allocation.

How did Celtic perform against Falkirk?

On the pitch, Celtic maintained their perfect start to the Premiership season with a 2-1 home victory at Parkhead. Camilo Duran scored both goals for the champions, with Falkirk's Colby Donovan contributing an own goal. This result keeps Celtic first in the Premiership with six points from two wins, having scored six goals and conceded just one. Their next challenge is a home match against Aberdeen on September 2, a game you can find on our fixtures page.

The win came amid a backdrop of fan discontent over European failure, symbolised by a banner reading 'World Class Embarrassment' referencing the Champions League play-off exit to LASK Linz. Defender Cameron Carter-Vickers acknowledged the unexpected support after that defeat, noting the cheers as the team bus arrived gave the squad a boost.

What are Celtic's injury and squad concerns?

Several fitness issues are affecting the squad as the transfer deadline approaches on Thursday. Captain Callum McGregor missed the Falkirk match through illness, while Kasper Hogh is battling an adductor problem. More worrying was an injury to influential left-back Kieran Tierney, whose extent is unclear. Tierney's recurring fitness struggles, combined with Marcelo Saracchi's exit, highlight a long-held concern in that position.

O'Neill confirmed he hopes to do some business before the deadline to add strength in depth for the title defence and Europa League campaign. Former captain Scott Brown, speaking on the situation, believes the club will bring in another left-back and possibly a centre-half. He also stressed the need for a powerhouse in midfield, especially in Europe, following Arne Engels's departure to West Ham. The current squad list shows Alistair Johnston and Jota are currently sidelined.

What happens next for Celtic?

Attention now turns to the final days of the transfer window and preparing for Aberdeen. The ongoing issue of the Ibrox ticket allocation remains unresolved, casting a shadow over the upcoming cup clash. With the team top of the standings but seeking reinforcements, the coming days are important for Celtic's ambitions on multiple fronts.