The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has confirmed that no travelling supporters will be permitted to attend any Old Firm encounters between Celtic and Rangers in this season's Premiership fixtures and the League Cup. 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 season's head‑to‑head meetings will take place on 13 September, when Rangers host Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup. A week later the two giants will meet again at Celtic Park for a league match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Historically, the clubs had agreed that each side would receive a modest away‑ticket quota – roughly five per cent of the stadium capacity – for all SPFL contests held at the respective venues. This arrangement was intended to preserve a degree of balance while still allowing a small contingent of visiting fans to experience the atmosphere.
However, the situation changed dramatically after the violent confrontations that erupted among supporters following the Scottish Cup tie between the clubs in March. An independent review was commissioned to examine the causes of the disorder, assess the risks associated with future fixtures, and propose measures to safeguard public safety. In the wake of that review, the clubs were asked to reconsider the existing ticketing framework.
Rangers responded by offering a dramatically reduced allocation of just 300 tickets for the upcoming cup tie, a figure that fell far short of the roughly 2,500 tickets that would normally be made available to Celtic supporters. Rangers justified the cut‑back by citing their assessment of the security environment and the potential for further incidents. Celtic, however, rejected the proposal, arguing that such a small number would be meaningless and would not allow their fans to experience a genuine away‑day atmosphere. With the two clubs at an impasse, the SPFL intervened to make a final determination.
After a series of consultations involving the clubs, the league, Police Scotland and other relevant stakeholders, the SPFL announced a temporary ban on away supporters for all Old Firm matches in the current season. The league issued a detailed statement explaining the rationale behind the move: "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 but also an understanding of why the decision was taken.
Celtic boss Martin O'Neill told Sky Sports News that, from a fan's perspective, the situation was "really quite sad". He highlighted the historic significance of the Old Firm derby, describing it as "one of the most phenomenal fixtures in European football, if not the world".
O'Neill lamented the loss of atmosphere that comes from having away supporters present, and suggested that the two clubs might need to sit down and negotiate a more workable solution. He noted that when Rangers initially offered only 300 tickets, Celtic felt there was "no point" in accepting such a token number, leading to the eventual decision to exclude all travelling fans for the foreseeable future.
Rangers' manager Derek McInnes echoed similar sentiments. He said he first learned of the announcement while returning from training, spotting the news on the Sky ticker. McInnes described his reaction as one of disappointment, emphasizing that he believes the presence of opposition fans adds to the spectacle of any derby.
Nonetheless, he recognised the broader context of recent events and acknowledged that there are "a lot to consider and a lot to discuss" when it comes to safety, security and the overall fan experience. The ban on away supporters is intended as a short‑term measure, but its implications could be far‑reaching.
By removing the travelling fan element, clubs lose a source of revenue from ticket sales, and the atmosphere inside the stadiums may feel markedly different. The Old Firm rivalry has traditionally been fueled by the passionate chants, colours and banners of both sets of supporters, creating an electric environment that broadcasters and neutral fans alike cherish.
Without that dynamic, the matches may appear more subdued, even though the quality of football on the pitch remains unchanged. Beyond the immediate impact on matchday experience, the decision raises questions about how Scottish football will handle high‑risk fixtures in the future.
The SPFL's statement suggests that the current arrangement will be reviewed if circumstances change, and that longer‑term plans for the 2027/28 season will be formulated well ahead of time. This indicates that the league is seeking a sustainable model that balances safety with the cultural importance of derby attendance. Fans of both clubs have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with many calling for a compromise that would allow a limited but meaningful number of away supporters to attend.
Some propose a staggered ticketing system, enhanced policing, or the use of neutral venues for particularly volatile matches. Others argue that the ban is a necessary step to protect public order and prevent further violence. In the meantime, the two clubs will have to focus on preparing their squads for the upcoming fixtures without the usual boost—or pressure—of an opposing fan base in the stands. Coaches will need to manage player psychology, ensuring that the lack of an away crowd does not diminish the intensity of the encounter.
The media will also have to adjust its coverage, perhaps placing greater emphasis on tactical analysis and player performances rather than the usual fan‑driven narratives. Overall, the SPFL's decision to bar away fans from this season's Old Firm games reflects a cautious approach to a historically volatile rivalry.
While it may disappoint many supporters, the governing body hopes that the temporary measure will provide the breathing room needed to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review, improve security protocols, and ultimately restore a safe environment where both clubs' fans can once again share the stadiums in peace.