The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has confirmed that no supporters will be permitted to travel to Old Firm fixtures this season, meaning both Celtic and Rangers will play without any away fans in the 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 rethink the traditional ticket allocation for these high‑profile clashes. The first Old Firm encounter of the campaign will take place on 13 September, when Rangers host Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup. A week later the two sides will meet again at Celtic Park for a league match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Historically, the clubs had agreed that five percent of the stadium capacity would be set aside for away supporters at every SPFL fixture, a figure that normally translates into a few thousand tickets for each side. However, after the violent confrontations that erupted among fans following the Scottish Cup tie in March, the SPFL commissioned an independent review to examine the causes and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. The review’s findings led Rangers to dramatically cut their away‑ticket offer for the upcoming Cup tie, proposing only 300 seats instead of the roughly 2,500 that would normally be available.
Celtic deemed the reduced figure unacceptable, arguing that such a small allocation would render the presence of travelling fans meaningless. With the two clubs unable to reach a compromise, the SPFL intervened and, after extensive consultations with both clubs, police authorities and other stakeholders, announced a temporary ban on away supporters for all Old Firm meetings during the current season. In a statement, the SPFL explained that the suspension of away tickets is intended to give the clubs, the league, Police Scotland and other relevant parties sufficient time to digest the review’s recommendations and implement the necessary safety measures. The league emphasized that the arrangement will provide greater certainty for match‑day planning, eliminate the confusion that often surrounds ticket allocations for individual fixtures, and allow all parties to focus on security without the pressure of last‑minute changes.
The statement also made clear that the situation will be reviewed if circumstances change significantly and that future arrangements for matches beyond the 2026/27 season will be considered well ahead of the 2027/28 campaign. Both managers expressed disappointment but also an understanding of the rationale behind the decision. Celtic’s head coach, Martin O'Neill, told Sky Sports News that it was "sad" from a fan’s perspective, noting that the Old Firm is arguably one of the most spectacular fixtures in European football. He lamented the loss of atmosphere that travelling supporters bring and suggested that the clubs should sit down and try to find a workable solution.
O'Neill highlighted that the offer of only 300 tickets was viewed by Celtic as insufficient, leading them to reject the proposal and ultimately accept the league’s broader ban. Rangers’ manager, Derek McInnes, echoed similar sentiments. He said he learned of the decision while watching the news ticker and described the outcome as "disappointing." McInnes stressed that, under normal circumstances, having opposition fans in the stadium adds to the spectacle of a derby.
However, he acknowledged that the recent history of the fixture, marked by clashes and heightened tensions, necessitates a more cautious approach. He indicated that the club’s official position would be communicated in due course, but stressed the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the two sides.
The ban on away fans is a significant departure from tradition, as Old Firm matches have long been characterized by passionate travelling crowds that contribute to the electric atmosphere of the rivalry. While the SPFL hopes the temporary measure will allow time to implement robust security protocols, it also recognises the impact on supporters who cherish the experience of attending the rival’s ground. The league’s commitment to reviewing the policy if conditions improve suggests that this is not intended to be a permanent solution, but rather a stop‑gap while the recommendations of the independent review are acted upon.
In the meantime, both clubs will focus on preparing their squads for the upcoming fixtures, knowing that the matches will be played in front of predominantly home supporters. The decision also raises broader questions about how football authorities manage fan safety in high‑risk derbies, balancing the desire for vibrant atmospheres with the need to protect spectators from violence.
As the season progresses, fans, clubs and officials will be watching closely to see whether the measures taken prove effective and whether a pathway can be forged back to a more inclusive, yet secure, match‑day experience for the Old Firm rivalry.