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 Premiership and League Cup fixtures. This 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 two meetings this campaign is set for September 13, when Rangers host Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup.
A week later the sides will face each other again at Celtic Park in the league, with both games slated for live broadcast on Sky Sports. Historically, the clubs had agreed that each would receive a modest away‑ticket quota – roughly five percent of the stadium capacity – for every SPFL match played at the other’s ground. This arrangement was intended to preserve a controlled but genuine atmosphere for one of world football’s most intense rivalries.
However, the situation changed dramatically after the Scottish Cup tie in March, which was marred by on‑field scuffles involving supporters from both sides. In the wake of those disturbances, an independent review was commissioned to examine the security shortcomings and to propose measures to prevent a recurrence. The review’s findings led to a reassessment of the existing ticketing framework.
Rangers, after conducting their own risk assessment, offered to make only 300 tickets available to Celtic fans – a stark reduction from the roughly 2,500 seats that had previously been allocated. Celtic deemed the offer insufficient, arguing that a crowd of that size would not meaningfully represent their travelling support and would undermine the spirit of the fixture. With the two clubs unable to reach a compromise, the SPFL intervened to make a final determination.
After extensive consultations involving the clubs, the SPFL, Police Scotland and other relevant stakeholders, the governing body announced that away fans would be excluded from all Old Firm matches in the SPFL calendar for the remainder of the season. The SPFL issued a statement explaining the rationale: the temporary measure would give the parties involved ample time to digest the independent review’s recommendations, implement necessary safety actions, and plan future fixtures with greater certainty. It also aims to avoid the recurring confusion that has surrounded ticket allocations for individual games.
The statement stressed that the arrangement is provisional and will be reviewed should circumstances evolve significantly during the season. It also noted that discussions about how to handle Old Firm meetings beyond the current campaign will begin well before the 2027/28 season, indicating a long‑term perspective on the issue.
Both managers expressed disappointment but acknowledged the reasoning behind the decision. Celtic’s head coach, Martin O'Neill, told Sky Sports News that from a fan’s perspective the situation is "really quite sad" and described the Old Firm as perhaps "the most phenomenal fixture in European football, if not the world." He lamented the loss of atmosphere that travelling supporters bring and suggested that the clubs should sit down and try to reach a workable solution. O'Neill noted that the offer of just 300 tickets was unsatisfactory for Celtic, leading to the ultimate decision to bar all away fans for the foreseeable future.
Rangers’ manager, Derek McInnes, echoed similar sentiments. He said he learned of the decision while watching the news ticker on Sky and described his initial reaction as disappointment. McInnes emphasized that having opposition fans present is generally preferable for any derby, as it enhances the spectacle and allows supporters to witness the match live. Nevertheless, he recognised that the recent incidents have created a complex environment that requires careful deliberation.
The move underscores the delicate balance between preserving the historic rivalry’s passion and ensuring public safety. While the Old Firm rivalry is celebrated for its fervent fan culture, the recent violence has forced authorities to prioritise security over tradition.
By eliminating away‑fan attendance, the SPFL hopes to reduce the risk of clashes, give police and stadium staff a more manageable environment, and allow both clubs to focus on football rather than crowd control. Critics argue that the decision could diminish the unique atmosphere that makes Old Firm games special, potentially affecting ticket revenue and fan engagement. Supporters, however, may appreciate the reduced likelihood of confrontations and the clearer expectations for each match. The temporary nature of the ban suggests that the SPFL intends to revisit the policy once the independent review’s recommendations are fully implemented and the clubs demonstrate that they can safely accommodate travelling supporters.
In the meantime, fans of both clubs will have to watch the fixtures from home or at neutral venues, relying on television coverage to experience the drama of one of football’s greatest rivalries. The SPFL’s approach reflects a broader trend in modern sport: prioritising safety and logistical certainty while seeking long‑term solutions that respect the heritage and passion of historic matchups.
The decision also serves as a reminder to other clubs and leagues that even the most storied rivalries are not immune to scrutiny when public safety is at stake. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on how Celtic and Rangers navigate this new reality and whether a mutually acceptable arrangement can be forged for future encounters.