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 or the League Cup. The first of those meetings will be the Premier Sports Cup tie at Ibrox on 13 September, followed a week later by the league showdown at Celtic Park, both matches to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Historically the two clubs had reached a mutual understanding that a modest allocation of away tickets – roughly five per cent of the stadium capacity – would be made available for every SPFL contest at either venue.
That arrangement was thrown into doubt after the violent incidents that erupted among supporters after the Scottish Cup semi‑final in March, prompting an independent review of fan safety and crowd management. In the wake of that review, Rangers initially offered a reduced quota of 300 tickets for the upcoming league game, a figure that fell dramatically short of the roughly 2,500 seats they had previously earmarked for Celtic fans. Celtic rejected the limited offer, arguing that such a small number would defeat the purpose of an away allocation. With the two clubs at an impasse, the SPFL intervened to make a final determination.
After extensive consultations involving both clubs, the league body, Police Scotland and other relevant stakeholders, the SPFL announced a temporary ban on away supporters for all Old Firm fixtures this season. The league issued a statement explaining that the measure would give the parties involved sufficient time to study the independent review’s findings, implement recommended actions, and plan future matches without the recurring uncertainty that has plagued ticketing decisions for individual games. The statement added that the arrangement would bring greater clarity to supporters, clubs and match‑day organisers, while keeping safety and security at the forefront.
The decision is not set in stone; the SPFL said it will be re‑examined if circumstances change significantly during the campaign. It also noted that any arrangements for Old Firm meetings beyond the current season will be discussed well before the 2027/28 campaign, allowing ample time for thorough preparation. Both managers expressed disappointment but acknowledged the rationale behind the move.
Celtic’s boss, Martin O'Neill, told Sky Sports News that from a fan’s perspective the situation is "really quite sad" and that the Old Firm is "one of the most phenomenal fixtures in European football, if not the world". He suggested that the clubs should sit down and try to find a workable solution, lamenting that the offer of only 300 tickets made little sense for Celtic supporters and ultimately led to the decision to exclude all away fans for the foreseeable future. Rangers’ manager, Derek McInnes, reacted similarly.
He said he first learned of the news from a scrolling ticker on Sky and described the announcement as "disappointing". While he did not speak on behalf of the club’s official position, McInnes stressed that having opposition fans present at a derby is generally preferable, as it enriches the atmosphere and gives supporters the chance to watch their team in person.
He acknowledged, however, that the recent history of the fixture demands a careful and measured approach. The ban reflects broader concerns about crowd violence, policing resources and the need to protect both home and visiting fans. In recent years, Old Firm matches have been among the most heavily policed events in the United Kingdom, with large numbers of officers deployed to prevent clashes and manage the intense rivalry. The independent review cited by the SPFL highlighted several risk factors, including the proximity of rival fan sections, the potential for provocative chants, and the challenges of controlling large, emotionally charged crowds in confined stadium environments.
By removing away supporters for the remainder of the season, the league hopes to reduce the likelihood of flashpoints that could lead to disorder, while giving clubs the opportunity to implement longer‑term security upgrades. These may include revised stadium entry procedures, enhanced segregation of fan zones, upgraded CCTV systems and more robust coordination with local police forces.
Critics of the decision argue that it punishes ordinary supporters rather than the handful of individuals who cause trouble, and that it could erode the traditional atmosphere that makes Old Firm games unique. They point out that the rivalry has survived decades of tension without a complete fan ban, and that alternative measures – such as stricter ticketing controls, fan education programmes and targeted bans for known troublemakers – might achieve the same safety objectives without alienating the wider fan base.
Nonetheless, the SPFL and the clubs appear committed to a cautious approach for now, prioritising public safety over the commercial and emotional benefits of a full stadium. As the season progresses, both sides will be watching closely to see whether the temporary restriction yields a calmer match‑day environment, and whether any adjustments can be made to allow a limited, well‑managed presence of away fans in future fixtures. The situation remains fluid, and supporters are urged to stay informed through official club communications and league announcements.
In the meantime, the two giants of Scottish football will continue to face each other on the pitch, albeit in front of predominantly home crowds, as they battle for league points, cup glory and the pride of their respective fan bases.