The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has confirmed that no travelling supporters will be permitted at any Old Firm fixtures this campaign, covering both the Premiership showdown and the League Cup tie between Celtic and Rangers. The decision follows a series of unsettling incidents and a subsequent independent inquiry that prompted both clubs and the governing body to reassess the traditional away‑ticket allocation.
The first match affected by the new policy is the Premier Sports Cup clash, scheduled for 13 September, when Rangers will host Celtic at Ibrox. A week later the two rivals will meet again at Celtic Park for a league fixture, both games to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Historically, the clubs had agreed that five percent of the stadium capacity would be set aside for away fans at every SPFL encounter, a figure that usually translates into a few thousand tickets for each side. However, the violent confrontations that erupted among supporters after the Scottish Cup tie in March triggered a comprehensive review.
An independent panel examined the causes of the disorder, evaluated security protocols, and issued a series of recommendations aimed at preventing a repeat of the chaos. In response, Rangers initially offered a drastically reduced allocation of 300 tickets – a fraction of the roughly 2,500 they would normally make available – citing concerns over safety and the heightened risk associated with the fixture. Celtic rejected the limited offer, arguing that such a small number would be meaningless for their travelling fan base. With the two clubs 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 SPFL announced that away supporters would be excluded from all Old Firm meetings for the remainder of the season. The league released a statement explaining the rationale behind the temporary ban: "This arrangement allows the clubs, together with the SPFL, Police Scotland and other relevant parties, to fully consider the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review, implement the necessary actions and ensure that sufficient time is allocated to plan future fixtures in a thorough and considered manner.
It also provides greater certainty for supporters and match‑day planners, eliminating the recurring uncertainty surrounding ticket allocations for individual games. All parties have pledged to work constructively during this period, with safety and security remaining the paramount concern.
The situation will be reviewed should circumstances change materially during the season, and arrangements for matches beyond the current campaign will be examined well before the 2027/28 season." Both managers expressed disappointment but acknowledged the logic behind the decision. Celtic boss Martin O'Neill told Sky Sports News, "From a regular fan's perspective, it's really quite sad.
This is arguably one of the most spectacular fixtures in European football, if not the world, and it should be a celebration for both sets of supporters. Perhaps the clubs could sit down and find a workable solution. It simply doesn't work when Rangers only offer 300 tickets – Celtic's view was, 'what's the point of having just 300?' So they opted for no away fans at all, at least for the foreseeable future." Rangers' manager Derek McInnes echoed a similar sentiment: "I saw the news on the Sky ticker tape just after training and my first reaction was disappointment.
I don't know the club's official stance at this moment – that's for the club to comment on – but generally it's always better when opposition fans can attend a derby. Having your own supporters present adds to the atmosphere, but given everything that has happened with this fixture, there are many factors to weigh and discuss." The ban underscores the delicate balance between preserving the passionate rivalry that defines the Old Firm and ensuring the safety of all participants. While the decision has been met with frustration from both fan bases, officials hope that the temporary measure will provide a breathing space to implement the independent review's recommendations, improve security infrastructure, and ultimately restore a safe environment for future derbies.
In the meantime, the two clubs will proceed with their scheduled matches behind closed doors for travelling supporters, relying on domestic fans to fill the stands. The SPFL has promised to keep the public informed of any changes and to revisit the policy if conditions evolve.
As the season unfolds, both Celtic and Rangers will be closely watched to see how the absence of away crowds influences the intensity, atmosphere and, inevitably, the result of Scotland's most iconic football rivalry. Fans who wish to stay engaged can still follow the action through live broadcasts, club media channels and official social platforms. The league also reminded supporters that the safety of all attendees remains the top priority, and that any future adjustments to ticketing will be communicated well in advance of the 2027/28 season.