The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has confirmed that no travelling supporters will be permitted at any Old Firm encounters this campaign, covering both the Premiership and the League Cup. This decision follows a series of incidents and a subsequent independent review that prompted both clubs and the governing body to reassess the traditional away‑ticket allocation.
The first fixture affected by the new rule will be the Premier Sports Cup tie scheduled for 13 September, when Rangers will host Celtic at Ibrox. A week later the two sides will meet again at Celtic Park for their league showdown, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Historically, the clubs had agreed that a modest five‑percent of the stadium capacity would be set aside for away fans at every SPFL match, a policy intended to preserve the atmosphere while limiting risk. However, the violent confrontations that erupted among supporters after the Scottish Cup semi‑final earlier in March forced the authorities to take a closer look at the safety implications of allowing even a small contingent of visiting fans.
An independent review was commissioned to examine the causes of the disorder and to recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. While the review was still pending, Rangers took the initiative to propose a drastically reduced away allocation – offering only 300 tickets instead of the roughly 2,500 that would normally be available under the five‑percent rule. The club justified the cutback by citing the heightened security concerns surrounding the fixture and the need to minimise potential flashpoints. Celtic rejected the offer, arguing that such a limited number of tickets would be meaningless and would not allow their supporters to experience the match in any genuine way.
With the two sides at an impasse, the SPFL intervened to make a final determination. After extensive consultations involving the clubs, the league, Police Scotland and other relevant stakeholders, the league announced a temporary suspension of all away‑fan attendance for Old Firm matches throughout the current season.
The SPFL issued a statement explaining the rationale behind the move: "This temporary arrangement will allow both clubs, together with the SPFL, Police Scotland and other relevant stakeholders, to give proper consideration to the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review, take forward the necessary actions and ensure sufficient time is available to plan future fixtures thoroughly. It will also provide greater certainty for supporters and those involved in matchday planning, while avoiding repeated uncertainty around ticketing arrangements for individual fixtures.
All parties have committed to working constructively during this period, with safety and security remaining the priority. The position will remain subject to review should circumstances materially change during the season. Arrangements for matches between the clubs beyond the current season will be considered well in advance of the 2027/28 season." In essence, the league is opting for a cautious, measured approach that prioritises public safety over tradition, at least until the review’s recommendations are fully implemented. Both managers expressed disappointment, yet acknowledged the reasoning behind the decision.
Celtic’s boss, Martin O'Neill, told Sky Sports News: "From a normal fan's viewpoint, it's really quite sad. I must admit, it's one of the most phenomenal fixtures in European football, if not the world.
And despite the calibre of the teams, it's just a mouth‑watering fixture. Perhaps the two clubs should try and get together and see if they could sort something out.
It's not great not to have your away fans at a stadium. I don't think it was ever going to work when Rangers offered 300 tickets for the game. Celtic's viewpoint was, 'what was the point in having 300?' So they decided not to have any, and then the decision was made that no away fans would be in the stadiums, at least for the foreseeable future." Rangers’ manager Derek McInnes echoed similar sentiments: "I've literally just walked in from training and I noticed the news on the Sky ticker tape.
The first reaction is disappointment that it's been made. I don't know the club's position on it at the minute, it's more appropriate that the club speaks on it but it's always better when opposition fans are allowed into a derby game.
Generally speaking it's always better in any fixture if your supporters are there to be able to watch your team, but obviously in the context of everything that's gone on with this fixture there's a lot to consider and a lot to discuss." The ban on travelling supporters is expected to have a ripple effect on matchday logistics, revenue streams and the overall atmosphere that makes the Old Firm rivalry unique. Historically, the rivalry has attracted tens of thousands of fans from both sides, creating a vibrant, albeit sometimes volatile, spectacle that is a hallmark of Scottish football. By eliminating the away contingent, clubs will need to rely solely on home supporters to fill the stands, which could alter the dynamic of chants, songs, and the psychological pressure that players experience. Security experts note that while the removal of away fans may reduce the likelihood of direct clashes, it does not eliminate all risks.
Local supporters can still become involved in confrontations, and the absence of a controlled away allocation may shift the focus of policing to other areas, such as perimeter security and crowd monitoring inside the stadium. The SPFL and Police Scotland have indicated that they will continue to work closely with club security teams to develop comprehensive plans for each fixture, including the deployment of stewards, CCTV surveillance, and rapid response units. From a commercial perspective, the decision could affect ticket revenue for both clubs, especially given the high demand for Old Firm tickets.
However, the league has suggested that the temporary loss may be offset by longer‑term stability and the avoidance of costly fines or sanctions that could arise from future incidents. Fans, meanwhile, have taken to social media to voice mixed reactions – some praising the precautionary approach, others lamenting the loss of a cherished tradition.
Looking ahead, the SPFL has indicated that the situation will be revisited if circumstances change significantly during the season. Should the independent review recommend a phased reintroduction of away supporters, or should both clubs reach a new agreement on ticket allocations, the league may adjust its stance before the start of the 2027/28 season, when further planning will take place. In summary, the SPFL’s decision to bar away fans from this season’s Old Firm matches reflects a careful balance between preserving the iconic nature of the rivalry and ensuring public safety. While the immediate impact is disappointment for many supporters, the move provides a window for thorough assessment, strategic planning, and potentially a more sustainable framework for future encounters between Scotland’s two most storied clubs.