The Scottish Professional Football League has confirmed that no travelling fans will be permitted to attend any Old Firm encounters between Celtic and Rangers in this year’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 previously agreed allocation of away tickets.
The first match affected by the new policy 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 being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Until recently, both clubs had operated under an arrangement that allowed a modest five per cent of the stadium capacity to be sold to away supporters for all SPFL matches at either venue. That arrangement was called into question after the heated scenes that erupted among fans following the Scottish Cup semi‑final between the two clubs in March.
An independent review was commissioned to examine the causes of the disorder and to recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. While the review was still pending, Rangers made a unilateral offer to limit the away allocation to just 300 tickets – a sharp reduction from the roughly 2,500 seats that had previously been made available for Celtic fans at Ibrox. The club argued that the reduced figure reflected the heightened risk profile of the fixture and the need to protect public safety. Celtic rejected the proposal, deeming the number insufficient and effectively meaningless.
With the two sides unable to reach a compromise, the SPFL stepped in to adjudicate. After a series of consultations involving the clubs, the league, Police Scotland and other relevant stakeholders, the governing body announced that, for the remainder of the season, no away supporters would be admitted to either stadium for Old Firm games.
In a formal statement the SPFL explained that the temporary ban would give the parties ample time to absorb the findings of the independent review, implement any recommended actions and plan future fixtures with a clear, consistent ticketing framework. "This arrangement will provide greater certainty for supporters and those involved in match‑day planning, while avoiding repeated uncertainty around ticketing arrangements for individual fixtures," the statement read. It also stressed that safety and security would remain the top priority and that the decision would be reviewed if circumstances changed significantly during the campaign.
Looking further ahead, the league indicated that it would start discussing arrangements for Old Firm meetings beyond the current season well before the 2027/28 campaign. Both managers expressed disappointment but also a pragmatic understanding of why the measure was taken.
Celtic’s boss, Martin O'Neill, told Sky Sports News that the situation was "really quite sad" from a fan's perspective. He described the Old Firm as "one of the most phenomenal fixtures in European football, if not the world" and lamented the loss of atmosphere that comes from having travelling supporters in the stadium. O'Neill suggested that the two clubs should sit down and try to find a workable solution, noting that the offer of just 300 tickets was effectively meaningless for Celtic supporters. Rangers’ manager, Derek McInnes, echoed similar sentiments.
He said he first learned of the decision from a news ticker while returning from training and described his initial reaction as disappointment. McInnes pointed out that having opposition fans present generally enhances the spectacle of any derby, but he also recognised the complex context surrounding the Old Firm rivalry and the need for careful consideration. The ban on away fans is expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future, although the SPFL has left the door open for a review should the situation evolve. The league hopes that the pause will allow all parties to address the underlying issues highlighted by the independent review, implement stronger security protocols and eventually restore a balanced ticket allocation that respects both safety concerns and the passionate tradition of the Old Firm rivalry.
In the meantime, supporters of both clubs will have to experience the matches from within the home ground, relying on televised coverage and social media to follow the action. The decision underscores the challenges that football authorities face in balancing fan culture, public safety and commercial interests, especially in one of the sport's most intense and historic rivalries.
Fans are encouraged to stay informed about any updates and to respect the temporary restrictions, as the ultimate goal remains a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone involved in Scottish football.