THE Old Firm clubs both qualifying for the Europa League group stage will bring a boost to Glasgow’s hospitality industry.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said the draw for both clubs will see fans travelling to the city from Spain, Germany, Austria, Russia and Norway.
Glasgow Chamber chief executive Stuart Patrick said: “This is great news for the city’s tourist and hospitality trade. Supporters of most of these clubs will travel to Glasgow, as well as a large number of Old Firm supporters from outside Scotland. It’s a big boost for hotels, restaurants and bars and the leisure and hospitality industry in general.
He said that fans of Celtic and Rangers from outside Scotland will also travel to the city for big European matches.
It is the first time both Glasgow giants have qualified for the group stages of European competitions in the same season since 2007/08 when Celtic reached the last 16 of the Champions League and Rangers reached the Uefa cup final.
Mr Patrick added: “The fact that both are now back playing at this level is important for Glasgow – with a total of six home games, three each, over the next few months.
Celtic will play Salzburg (Austria), Leipzig (Germany) and Rosenborg (Norway) while Rangers meet Villareal (Spain), Rapid Vienna (Austria) and Spartak Moscow (Russia).
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