Celtic and Rangers fans have been banned from attending away matches between the Old Firm clubs in the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup this season, which includes this afternoon’s Scottish League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.
The “temporary arrangement” follows the disruption at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between the teams at Ibrox last season, which has led to behind-closed-doors punishments for both clubs in their next home fixture in that competition.
An independent review into the Scottish Cup match at Ibrox found that that “crushing” and “life-threatening violence” were narrowly avoided after Rangers fans stormed the pitch to confront Celtic supporters who had spilled onto the field in celebration.
Rangers host Celtic in the last eight of the Scottish League Cup this afternoon but there will be no Bhoys fans present, and the first Premiership Old Firm of the season is at Celtic Park next weekend, on Sunday 20 September, when Gers supporters won’t be in attendance.
An away allocation of 5 per cent had previously been agreed for Premiership and League Cup matches last year, but the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) said in a statement that ticketing arrangements had been reconsidered following the publication of the independent review.
The SPFL said Celtic did not accept a proposal from Rangers to reduce the away allocation for the Scottish League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox, which led to the intervention. The SPFL said the ban on away fans is “subject to review” and could change during the season.
“After further discussions involving both clubs and the SPFL, agreement has been reached that there will be no away supporters for matches involving Rangers and Celtic in SPFL competitions for the remainder of the 2026/27 season,” a statement said.
“This temporary arrangement will allow both clubs, together with the SPFL, Police Scotland and other relevant stakeholders, to give proper consideration to the findings and recommendations of the independent review, take forward the necessary actions and ensure sufficient time is available to plan future fixtures thoroughly.
“It will also provide greater certainty for supporters and those involved in matchday planning, while avoiding repeated uncertainty around ticketing arrangements for individual fixtures.
All parties have committed to working constructively during this period, with safety and security remaining the priority. The position will remain subject to review should circumstances materially change during the season.”
Celtic given “timely reminder” by police
Ahead of this afternoon’s clash, manager Martin O’Neill says Celtic had a visit from Police Scotland on Friday to give them “a timely reminder” about their “general behaviour” during the clash.
“We had the police come in today, just a little 15-minute meeting to remind us of our behaviour, which I think is a timely reminder,” O’Neill revealed.
“They didn’t mention this, but I would have assumed that one of the things that would be considered is what happens in the field of play, because these things can be taken further.
“You don’t want any sort of punch-ups for a start. Secondly, you don’t want excessive celebrations, stuff like that. But I think it’s just the behaviour in the light of what has happened in recent fixtures. I think that the conversation with the police wouldn’t have taken place had not recent events been brought up to us.”
