The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has confirmed that no travelling supporters will be admitted to any Old Firm encounters this season, covering both the Premiership and the League Cup fixtures. This decision follows a series of incidents and a subsequent independent review that prompted the governing body to rethink the traditional away‑ticket allocation for the fierce rivalry between Celtic and Rangers. The first of the season's Old Firm meetings will take place on 13 September when Rangers host Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup. A week later the two sides will clash again at Celtic Park in the league, with the games set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Historically, the clubs had agreed that a modest five‑percent of the stadium capacity would be reserved for away fans at every SPFL match, a policy designed to maintain a degree of balance while still protecting public order. However, the situation changed dramatically after the Scottish Cup tie in March, which was marred by violent confrontations between supporters on the pitch. An independent review was commissioned to examine the causes of the unrest and to propose measures to prevent a recurrence. In light of the findings, the clubs were asked to reconsider the existing ticketing arrangement.
Rangers responded by offering a reduced allocation of 300 tickets for the upcoming league match, a figure that represented a steep drop from the roughly 2,500 tickets that had been made available under the previous agreement. The club argued that the reduced number reflected the heightened risk profile of the fixture and the need to ensure safety for all attendees. Celtic, however, found the offer unsatisfactory, questioning the practicality of admitting such a small contingent of supporters and ultimately rejecting the proposal. With the two sides at an impasse, the SPFL intervened and, after extensive consultations involving both clubs, police representatives and other relevant stakeholders, announced a blanket ban on away fans for all Old Firm games in the current season.
The governing body issued a statement explaining that the temporary measure would give everyone involved the opportunity to fully assess the independent review's recommendations, implement any necessary security enhancements, and plan future fixtures without the uncertainty that has plagued ticket allocations in recent years. The SPFL statement read in part: "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. Arrangements for matches between the clubs beyond the current season will be considered well in advance of the 2027/28 season." Both managers expressed disappointment at the outcome, yet they recognised the rationale behind the decision.
Celtic boss Martin O'Neill told Sky Sports News: "From a normal fan's viewpoint, it's really quite sad. I must admit, it's one of the most phenomenal fixtures in European football, if not the world. And despite the calibre of the teams, it's just a mouth‑watering fixture. Perhaps the two clubs should try to sort something out together.
It's not great not to have your away fans at a stadium. I don't think it was ever going to work when Rangers offered 300 tickets for the game.
Celtic's viewpoint was, 'what was the point in having 300?' So they decided not to have any, and then the decision was made that no away fans would be in the stadiums, at least for the foreseeable future." Rangers manager Derek McInnes echoed similar sentiments: "I've literally just walked in from training and I noticed the news on the Sky ticker tape. The first reaction is disappointment that it's been made. I don't know the club's position on it at the minute, it's more appropriate that the club speaks on it but it's always better when opposition fans are allowed into a derby game. Generally speaking it's always better in any fixture if your supporters are there to be able to watch your team, but obviously in the context of everything that's gone on with this fixture there's a lot to consider and a lot to discuss." The ban raises broader questions about the future of one of football's most iconic rivalries.
While the immediate priority is to ensure safety and prevent further violence, supporters and officials alike wonder how the atmosphere of Old Firm games will be affected when the stadiums are filled solely with home fans. Some analysts suggest that a period without travelling supporters could provide a valuable window for both clubs to develop new security protocols, improve fan education programmes and perhaps even explore alternative ways of fostering a competitive yet respectful rivalry. In the meantime, the SPFL has indicated that the arrangement will be reviewed if circumstances change significantly during the season.
This clause leaves open the possibility that, should the independent review recommend a phased reintroduction of away tickets, or if the clubs demonstrate a robust plan for managing crowds, the ban could be lifted before the season's end. For now, however, the decision stands, and both Celtic and Rangers will have to navigate their matches without the traditional presence of opposing supporters. Fans are encouraged to stay updated through official club channels and the SPFL's communications, as any future adjustments will be announced well ahead of the 2027/28 season.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between preserving the passionate intensity that defines the Old Firm and ensuring the safety of everyone who attends these high‑stakes games. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.