The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has confirmed that no travelling supporters will be permitted to attend any Old Firm fixtures this campaign, covering both the Premiership clash and the League Cup tie between Celtic and Rangers. This decision follows a series of incidents and a subsequent independent review that prompted both clubs and the governing body to reconsider the previously agreed‑upon ticketing arrangements.
The first match of the season featuring the two Glasgow giants will be the Premier Sports Cup on 13 September, with Rangers hosting Celtic at Ibrox. A week later, the teams will meet again at Celtic Park for their league encounter, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Historically, the clubs had settled on an away‑ticket allocation of roughly five percent of the stadium capacity for all SPFL fixtures, a figure that would normally translate into a few thousand seats for each side’s supporters. However, the atmosphere after the Scottish Cup tie in March, which was marred by on‑pitch confrontations between fans, triggered an independent review into safety and crowd‑control measures at Old Firm games.
In light of the findings, Rangers initially proposed offering only 300 tickets to Celtic fans for the upcoming fixtures, arguing that the reduced number reflected the heightened risk and the need for tighter security. Celtic rejected the modest offer, stating that such a limited allocation would defeat the purpose of having an away presence at a match of this magnitude.
When the two clubs could not reach a compromise, the SPFL intervened and, after extensive consultations with both clubs, the police, and other relevant stakeholders, decided to suspend away‑fan attendance for all Old Firm meetings during the current season. The league issued a formal statement explaining that this temporary measure would allow the parties involved to fully assess the independent review’s recommendations, implement any necessary actions, and allocate sufficient time for thorough planning of future fixtures.
The statement emphasized that the arrangement would bring greater certainty to supporters, clubs, and match‑day operators, eliminating the recurring confusion that often surrounds ticket allocations for high‑profile derbies. It also underscored that safety and security remain the top priorities and that the policy will be revisited if circumstances change significantly over the course of the season.
Looking further ahead, the SPFL indicated that arrangements for Old Firm games beyond the 2026/27 campaign will be examined well before the start of the 2027/28 season. Both managers expressed disappointment at the outcome, yet acknowledged the rationale 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" because the Old Firm is arguably one of the most spectacular fixtures in European football, if not the world. He described the match as "mouth‑watering" and suggested that the clubs should sit down and try to find a workable solution.
O’Neill noted that the proposal of only 300 tickets was essentially meaningless for Celtic supporters, leading the club to opt for a complete ban on away fans for the foreseeable future. Rangers’ manager, Derek McInnes, echoed a similar sentiment. He said he first learned of the decision while watching the news ticker on Sky and described his reaction as one of disappointment.
McInnes stressed that, under normal circumstances, having opposition fans in the stadium enhances the atmosphere and enriches the experience for both sets of supporters. However, he recognised that the recent history of the rivalry, combined with safety concerns, necessitates a more cautious approach and further dialogue.
The SPFL’s move reflects a broader trend in modern football where authorities are increasingly willing to impose strict measures to protect fans and preserve public order, especially in fixtures with a history of volatility. While the decision may dampen the traditional derby atmosphere, officials hope that the temporary suspension of away supporters will provide a window for implementing robust security protocols, improving steward training, and establishing clearer guidelines for future matches. In the meantime, both clubs will focus on preparing their squads for the upcoming encounters, aware that the lack of travelling fans will alter the usual dynamics of the Old Firm rivalry. The matches will still be high‑stakes affairs, with league points and cup progression on the line, but the roar of a full, mixed crowd will be replaced by a more subdued, home‑only audience.
Fans who cannot attend in person are encouraged to follow the live broadcasts, engage with club‑run digital content, and participate in official online fan forums. The SPFL has also promised to keep supporters updated on any changes to the policy, ensuring that if circumstances improve, the possibility of reinstating away‑fan tickets will be reconsidered promptly.
Overall, the ban on away supporters for this season’s Old Firm games represents a pragmatic, albeit unpopular, step aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Scottish football while giving the authorities the breathing room needed to address the underlying issues that have plagued the rivalry in recent years. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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