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 Scottish Premiership 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 reassess the existing ticketing arrangements. The first fixture under the new policy will be the Premier Sports Cup tie at Ibrox on 13 September, when Rangers host Celtic.
A week later the two sides will meet again in the league at Celtic Park, an encounter that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Historically, both clubs had agreed that away supporters would be allocated five percent of the total stadium capacity for every SPFL match, a figure that was intended to balance fan presence with safety considerations. However, the atmosphere after the Scottish Cup semi‑final in March, which descended into on‑pitch confrontations between rival fans, triggered a formal review by an independent panel. The panel’s findings highlighted a range of security concerns and recommended a temporary suspension of the usual away‑ticket allocation while a more robust framework could be developed.
In response, Rangers initially offered to make 300 tickets available to Celtic fans – a drastic reduction from the roughly 2,500 seats that would normally be set aside for away supporters. Celtic rejected this limited offer, arguing that such a small number would not meaningfully represent their travelling fan base.
With the two clubs unable to reach a compromise, the SPFL intervened and imposed a blanket ban on away fans for all Old Firm meetings in the current season. The league issued a statement explaining the rationale behind the temporary measure: "This arrangement will give the clubs, the SPFL, Police Scotland and other relevant parties sufficient time to consider the independent review’s recommendations, implement necessary actions and plan future fixtures with the required level of certainty.
It also reduces the uncertainty that has plagued ticketing decisions for individual matches and ensures that safety and security remain the top priority. The situation will be reviewed if circumstances change significantly during the season, and arrangements for meetings beyond the 2026/27 campaign will be examined well before the 2027/28 season." Both managers expressed disappointment but acknowledged the logic of the decision. Celtic’s head coach, Martin O'Neill, told Sky Sports News, "From a fan’s perspective it’s incredibly sad. The Old Firm is arguably one of the most spectacular fixtures in European football, if not the world, and it’s a shame not to have the atmosphere that travelling supporters bring.
Perhaps the two clubs could sit down and try to find a workable solution. When Rangers offered only 300 tickets, Celtic asked ‘what’s the point of that?’ and ultimately we decided to forego any away allocation for the foreseeable future." Rangers’ manager Derek McInnes echoed a similar sentiment: "I just saw the news on the Sky ticker after training and my first reaction was disappointment.
I don’t know the club’s official stance yet, but generally it’s always better when opposition fans can attend a derby. Their presence adds to the spectacle and the atmosphere.
Yet given what has happened in recent weeks, there are many factors to weigh and discuss." The ban is intended as a short‑term solution while the SPFL, clubs and police work on a longer‑term strategy that could involve revised ticket quotas, enhanced stewarding, and possibly new stadium infrastructure to separate rival fans more effectively. Stakeholders have pledged to collaborate constructively during this period, with the ultimate goal of reinstating away supporters once a safe and sustainable model is in place. While the decision has been met with frustration from both fan bases, many recognise that the safety of supporters, players and staff must come first.
The SPFL’s commitment to reviewing the arrangement should circumstances evolve provides a pathway for future adjustments. As the season progresses, both Celtic and Rangers will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping that a balanced solution can be reached that restores the vibrant, albeit sometimes volatile, atmosphere that defines the Old Firm rivalry.
In the meantime, the clubs will focus on the football itself, preparing their squads for the upcoming fixtures and aiming to deliver the high‑quality performances that fans expect, even if the stands are temporarily quieter on the away side. The broader Scottish football community will be watching closely, aware that the outcome of this experiment could set a precedent for how other high‑risk derbies are managed across the United Kingdom. Fans eager to stay involved can still engage through official club channels, digital platforms and community events, ensuring that the passion for the Old Firm endures despite the temporary absence of travelling crowds.
The SPFL has also encouraged supporters to respect the decision and continue to promote a positive, non‑violent culture around the game. Overall, the ban on away fans for this season’s Old Firm matches reflects a cautious approach aimed at safeguarding all participants while a comprehensive, evidence‑based plan is developed for future encounters. The hope is that, once the review’s recommendations are fully implemented, the rivalry can return to its traditional, electrifying format with both sets of fans safely sharing the stadiums once again.