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 fixtures 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 away‑ticket allocation. The first meeting under the new restrictions will take place on 13 September, when Rangers host Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup. A week later the two giants will face each other again in the league at Celtic Park, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Historically, the two sides had agreed to allocate a modest five percent of the stadium capacity to away fans for all SPFL matches, a figure intended to preserve a family‑friendly atmosphere while still allowing a contingent of travelling supporters to experience the rivalry. However, the violent confrontations that erupted after the Scottish Cup tie in March, coupled with the findings of an independent review into fan behaviour, led the clubs to reassess that arrangement. Rangers initially offered a reduced allotment of 300 tickets – a drastic cut from the roughly 2,500 seats they would normally make available – citing safety concerns and the heightened risk associated with the fixture.
Celtic rejected the limited offer, arguing that such a small number would render the away presence meaningless. The disagreement escalated to the point where the SPFL felt compelled to intervene and issue a definitive ruling. After extensive consultations involving both clubs, the SPFL, Police Scotland and other relevant stakeholders, the league announced that away fans would be completely excluded from Old Firm matches for the remainder of the current season. In a formal statement the SPFL explained that the temporary measure would give all parties the breathing space needed to fully digest the independent review’s recommendations, implement any required actions, and plan future fixtures with greater certainty.
The league stressed that the move was intended to avoid the repeated uncertainty that has plagued ticketing arrangements for individual games, and to provide a clear framework for match‑day operations. "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," the statement read.
It continued: "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." 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 ban was "really quite sad" because the Old Firm is arguably "one of the most phenomenal fixtures in European football, if not the world." He lamented the loss of atmosphere that travelling supporters bring and suggested that the clubs might try to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
"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," O'Neill added. Rangers’ manager Derek McInnes echoed similar sentiments. He said he first learned of the decision from a news ticker while returning from training and described his reaction as "disappointing." He noted that while the club’s official stance would be communicated later, the general principle remains that having opposition fans present enhances the spectacle of any derby.
"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," McInnes said. The ban raises broader questions about how football authorities balance safety with tradition. The Old Firm rivalry, steeped in over a century of history, has long been a magnet for passionate supporters, media attention and commercial interest. Yet the recurring episodes of crowd trouble have forced the SPFL to adopt increasingly stringent measures.
By removing away fans entirely, the league hopes to create a controlled environment that reduces the risk of violence while still delivering a high‑quality football product for the home crowd and television audience. Critics argue that the decision may set a concerning precedent, potentially encouraging other leagues to adopt similar blanket bans in response to isolated incidents. Supporters’ groups, however, have largely welcomed the move as a pragmatic step toward ensuring that future matches can be enjoyed safely.
They stress that the ultimate goal should be to restore a balanced ticketing policy that allows a reasonable number of travelling fans to attend, provided robust security protocols are in place. Looking ahead, the SPFL has indicated that it will revisit the situation before the 2027/28 season, giving clubs ample time to develop a sustainable framework. In the meantime, both Celtic and Rangers will have to adapt to playing high‑stakes matches without the usual complement of rival supporters, a scenario that will undoubtedly alter the atmosphere, the chants, and perhaps even the tactical approach of the teams. The decision also underscores the importance of collaborative planning among clubs, law enforcement and governing bodies.
By working together, they aim to address the root causes of fan disorder, improve stadium safety standards, and ultimately preserve the unique allure of the Old Firm derby for future generations. While the current season will proceed without away fans, the hope remains that lessons learned during this period will pave the way for a more inclusive and secure experience when the two Glasgow giants meet again on the pitch. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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