Why are away fans banned at the Celtic v Rangers Old Firm derby this afternoon?
Story summary
Celtic and Rangers fans are banned from any Old Firm matches in the Scottish Premiership or League Cup this season, including this afternoon’s clash at Parkhead
📌 Key Highlights & Takeaways
- Celtic and Rangers fans are banned from any Old Firm matches in the Scottish Premiership or League Cup this season, including this afternoon’s clash at Parkhead
Celtic and Rangers fans have been banned from attending away matches between the Old Firm clubs in the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup this season, which includes this afternoon’s Premiership clash at Parkhead.
The “temporary arrangement” follows the disruption at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between the teams at Ibrox last season, which has led to behind-closed-doors punishments for both clubs in their next home fixture in that competition.
An independent review into the Scottish Cup match at Ibrox found that that “crushing” and “life-threatening violence” were narrowly avoided after Rangers fans stormed the pitch to confront Celtic supporters who had spilled onto the field in celebration.
Rangers beat Celtic 3-0 in the last eight of the Scottish League Cup at Ibrox last weekend, with no Bhoys fans present, and the first Premiership Old Firm of the season is at Celtic Park this afternoon , when Gers supporters won’t be in attendance.
An away allocation of 5 per cent had previously been agreed for Premiership and League Cup matches last year, but the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) said in a statement that ticketing arrangements had been reconsidered following the publication of the independent review.
The SPFL said Celtic did not accept a proposal from Rangers to reduce the away allocation for the Scottish League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox, which led to the intervention. The SPFL said the ban on away fans is “subject to review” and could change during the season.
“After further discussions involving both clubs and the SPFL, agreement has been reached that there will be no away supporters for matches involving Rangers and Celtic in SPFL competitions for the remainder of the 2026/27 season,” a statement said.
“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.
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Source: The Independent.
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