The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) 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 unsettling incidents and a subsequent independent review that prompted both clubs and the governing body to reconsider the traditional away‑ticket allocation. The first of the two matches under the new policy is the Premier Sports Cup tie scheduled for 13 September, when Rangers will host Celtic at Ibrox. A week later the rivals will meet again in the league at Celtic Park, with both games set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Historically, the two sides had agreed that a modest five‑percent of the stadium capacity would be reserved for away supporters at each venue, a figure that normally translates into a few thousand tickets for a club of this size. However, the atmosphere after the Scottish Cup showdown in March turned volatile, with on‑field confrontations spilling over into the stands.
An independent review was commissioned to examine the causes and to recommend measures to prevent a repeat of the disorder. In the wake of that inquiry, Rangers proposed a dramatically reduced allocation of just 300 tickets for the upcoming league meeting, arguing that the security risks and logistical challenges warranted a more cautious approach.
Celtic found the offer unacceptable, contending that a handful of seats would not constitute a meaningful presence for their travelling fan base. With the two clubs at an impasse, the SPFL intervened and, after extensive consultations involving club officials, police representatives and other relevant stakeholders, decided to suspend all away‑fan attendance for Old Firm fixtures for the remainder of the season. The governing body issued a statement explaining that the temporary measure would give everyone involved the time needed to fully digest the findings of the independent review, implement any recommended actions, and plan future fixtures with greater certainty. The statement stressed that safety and security remain the paramount concerns and that the arrangement would be reviewed if circumstances change significantly during the campaign.
It also indicated that ticketing arrangements for matches beyond the current season will be examined well before the 2027/28 campaign. 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 situation was “really quite sad”. He described the Old Firm as “one of the most phenomenal fixtures in European football, if not the world”, and lamented the loss of the electric atmosphere that travelling supporters bring. O'Neill suggested that the clubs might sit down together to find a workable solution, noting that the offer of only 300 tickets was insufficient to justify any away presence and that the subsequent decision to ban all away fans was, in his view, a logical outcome of that impasse. Rangers’ manager Derek McInnes echoed similar sentiments.
He said he learned of the announcement while returning from training and described the news as “disappointing”. McInnes emphasized that having opposition fans in the stadium is generally preferable, as it contributes to the spectacle of a derby. Nevertheless, he recognised that the recent history of the fixture has introduced a host of complexities that must be addressed before normal arrangements can resume.
The SPFL’s move reflects a broader trend in football governance where authorities are willing to impose stringent restrictions when public order is at risk. By eliminating away‑fan attendance, the league hopes to reduce the potential for clashes, allow police resources to be allocated more effectively, and provide a clearer framework for clubs to plan match‑day operations. Critics argue that such bans can diminish the cultural richness of rivalries and alienate loyal supporters, but proponents contend that the safety of all attendees must take precedence.
Looking ahead, the SPFL has indicated that the current policy is not set in stone. Should the independent review’s recommendations be fully implemented and the security situation improve, the league may revisit the decision and potentially re‑introduce a limited away‑ticket allocation for future Old Firm meetings. In the meantime, both Celtic and Rangers will have to adapt to playing high‑stakes games in front of largely home‑supporter crowds, a scenario that could alter the dynamics on the pitch and affect revenue streams tied to ticket sales.
Fans of both clubs have been encouraged to respect the decision and to continue supporting their teams through other channels, such as televised broadcasts, digital platforms and community events. The SPFL also reminded supporters that any breaches of the new rules could result in further sanctions, underscoring the importance of cooperation from all parties during this transitional period. In summary, the 2023/24 season will see Celtic and Rangers face each other in the Premiership and League Cup without the usual influx of travelling fans, a measure taken to safeguard public order while the sport’s authorities work through the recommendations of an independent review.
The decision, though unpopular with many, aims to provide a stable environment for future fixtures and to lay the groundwork for a more secure and predictable approach to one of football’s most storied rivalries.