Celtic and Rangers face Old Firm away fan ban for SPFL matches as clubs 'commit' to talks

There will be no away supporters present at Old Firm games in Scottish Professional Football League competitions this season, the SPFL has confirmed.

The decision comes on the back of the Scottish Football Association’s independent review into the events of a Rangers v Celtic Scottish Cup match in March, where fans from both clubs spilled on to the pitch after the full-time whistle.

The report by Mark Blackbourne was published earlier this summer and in the wake of his findings, Rangers and Celtic drew each other in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final, due to be played a week on Sunday. Rangers offered Celtic 300 tickets, but the Parkhead club asked for the SPFL to determine the allocation. The governing body responded on Friday that no away supporters will be permitted for matches under their jurisdiction during the 2026/27 campaign.

There will be no away supporters at SPFL Old Firm matches this season. | SNS Group

That means the Premier Sports Cup clash on September 13 at Ibrox and the Premiership match at Celtic Park a week later will be staged exclusively in front of home fans, as well as the other league fixtures between the two, although the SPFL confirmed this can be reviewed. The verdict does not apply to Scottish Cup ties, as they are run by the SFA.

In a statement, the SPFL confirmed that all parties are “committed” to finding a resolution for next season.

The statement read: “Ahead of the forthcoming Rangers v Celtic tie in the Premier Sports Cup (13 September) and the Celtic v Rangers match in the William Hill Premiership (20 September), the Scottish Professional Football League today announced ticket allocations for all SPFL matches involving both clubs this season.

“This follows the Scottish FA’s Independent Review into the events surrounding the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox on 8 March and subsequent discussions involving the SPFL, both clubs, and Police Scotland.

“Celtic and Rangers had previously agreed that an away ticket allocation of 5% of the available capacity for both grounds would apply for their SPFL matches against one another.

“Following the events of 8 March and the publication of the Independent Review, the arrangements for the forthcoming fixtures were reconsidered. For the Premier Sports Cup tie at Ibrox, Rangers proposed a reduced away allocation based on its assessment of the circumstances and risks associated with that fixture. Celtic did not accept that proposal and sought a determination from the SPFL.

“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.

“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.

“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.”