The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has confirmed that no travelling supporters will be permitted to attend any Old Firm clashes between Celtic and Rangers in this season's Premiership and League Cup fixtures. The decision follows a series of incidents and a subsequent independent review that prompted both clubs and the governing body to rethink the traditional away‑ticket allocation. The first of the affected matches is the Premier Sports Cup tie scheduled for 13 September, when Rangers will host Celtic at Ibrox.
A week later the two sides will meet again in the league at Celtic Park, with the game 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 venue, a policy designed to maintain a manageable travelling contingent while preserving the atmosphere that makes the Old Firm rivalry so unique.
However, the situation changed dramatically after the heated scenes that erupted on the pitch and in the stands following the Scottish Cup semi‑final in March. An independent review was commissioned to examine the causes of the disorder, assess the security risks and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. In the wake of that review, Rangers proposed to allocate only 300 tickets to Celtic supporters – a sharp reduction from the roughly 2,500 tickets that had been made available under the previous arrangement.
Rangers argued that the limited number reflected the heightened risk profile of the fixture and the need to protect public safety. Celtic rejected the offer, deeming it insufficient and impractical, and the disagreement was escalated to the SPFL. After consulting with both clubs, police representatives and other relevant stakeholders, the league announced a temporary suspension of all away‑fan attendance for Old Firm matches for the remainder of the current season.
The SPFL issued a statement explaining that the measure would give the parties involved ample time to digest the findings of the independent review, implement any required actions and plan future fixtures with greater certainty. "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," the statement read.
"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 but acknowledged the rationale behind the decision.
Celtic boss Martin O'Neill told Sky Sports News that, from a fan's perspective, the ban was "really quite sad" because the Old Firm is arguably "one of the most phenomenal fixtures in European football, if not the world." He lamented the loss of atmosphere that travelling supporters bring and suggested that the clubs should sit down and try to reach a mutually acceptable solution. O'Neill noted that the offer of 300 tickets felt tokenistic, saying, "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 a similar sentiment.
He said he first learned of the news while returning from a training session and described the announcement as "disappointing." While he declined to speak on behalf of the club's official position, McInnes emphasised that having opposition supporters at a derby enhances the spectacle and that, under normal circumstances, clubs prefer a full complement of fans on both sides. He added that the unique history of the Old Firm rivalry, combined with recent incidents, makes the issue more complex and requires careful deliberation.
The ban is intended as a short‑term safety measure, but its implications extend beyond the immediate season. By removing away supporters, the SPFL hopes to reduce the risk of violence, give police and security staff a clearer operational picture and allow both clubs to focus on delivering a high‑quality footballing product. Critics, however, argue that the decision could erode the cultural fabric of Scottish football, as the Old Firm rivalry has long been defined by the passionate, vocal presence of both sets of fans.
Looking ahead, the league has pledged to revisit the arrangement should circumstances change, and to start planning long‑term ticketing policies well before the 2027/28 campaign. In the meantime, supporters will have to experience the matches from within the stadium walls, relying on televised coverage and social media to follow the action. The situation underscores the delicate balance between preserving football's traditional atmosphere and ensuring the safety of all participants in an increasingly scrutinised sporting environment. Fans eager for a chance at a big win can still engage with the sport through other promotions, such as the "Play Super 6" competition, which offers a chance to win £1 million at no cost.