Old Firm Away Fan Ban
Celtic and Rangers matches ban away supporters through the 2027 season.
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Key Points
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Before the ban, Celtic and Rangers had agreed that visiting supporters would receive 5% of the available capacity at each stadium.
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The March 8 Scottish Cup quarter-final was goalless after 90 minutes, with Celtic winning the subsequent penalty shootout before disorder broke out.
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The SPFL said the arrangement will provide greater certainty for supporters and matchday planners by avoiding repeated disputes over ticket allocations for individual fixtures.
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The away-supporter ban is not necessarily fixed for the entire season: the SPFL said it will remain subject to review if circumstances materially change.
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Rangers manager Derek McInnes said the decision was disappointing and that derby matches are better when opposition supporters can attend, while stressing that required standards of behavior still had to be met.
Celtic and Rangers will not allow away supporters at their Scottish Professional Football League matches for the rest of the 2026/27 season. The ban follows disorder at their Scottish Cup quarterfinal on March 8 at Ibrox, when a pitch invasion, fan clashes, and fireworks forced police and stewards to restore order Border Telegraph.
The SPFL said the temporary ban gives clubs, police, and other groups time to address safety concerns and plan future fixtures. Both managers acknowledged the decision was necessary but disappointing for the sport Border Telegraph.
What Sparked the Away-Fan Ban
Trouble erupted after Celtic won a penalty shootout against Rangers in a goalless Scottish Cup quarterfinal on March 8 at Ibrox. Supporters invaded the pitch, fought each other, and threw fireworks as order broke down Border Telegraph. Rangers had earlier proposed cutting Celtic's away allocation to 300 from roughly 2,500 tickets. Celtic rejected this and sought an SPFL ruling instead Border Telegraph.
How the 5% Allocation Agreement Worked Before
Before the ban, Celtic and Rangers had agreed to give visiting supporters 5% of each stadium's available capacity. This gave both sides a clear formula instead of negotiating numbers for every match. The arrangement aimed to reduce disputes over ticket distribution Border Telegraph.
Why the Ban Might Not Last the Full Season
The SPFL said the away-fan ban is not locked in for the entire 2026/27 season. The decision will stay under review and could change if circumstances improve significantly Border Telegraph. This keeps a door open for supporters to return if security standards are met and tensions ease Border Telegraph.
Both Managers Acknowledge the Hard Choice
Rangers manager Derek McInnes said derby matches are better with opposition supporters present but stressed that required behavior standards must be met Border Telegraph. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill called the decision sad and effectively inevitable, accepting the ban as necessary despite the loss to the sport Border Telegraph.
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