Celtic and Rangers have formally appealed the Scottish FA’s decision to impose closed‑doors sanctions after disorder surrounding the cup final earlier this year, the clubs confirmed as they pursued the next stage of the disciplinary process.
Clashes, arrests and a stern review
Both clubs originally admitted the charges brought by the governing body, with the fallout from the match marked by serious incidents. Police Scotland made 43 arrests after supporters clashed and officers and stewards were injured following the final whistle. Objects and pyrotechnics were thrown during the disorder.
An independent review commissioned by the Scottish FA concluded a “crushing incident was a real and foreseeable risk” because of “non‑compliant Ultra group fans surging past police and stewards”, a finding that underpinned the sanctions.
Clubs push back
Neither club has issued fresh public comment on their appeals, but at the time the punishments were announced Celtic described the penalty as disproportionate. The club said it was "shocked by this disproportionate punishment for a relatively small incursion by Celtic supporters at a moment of emotion and celebration" and stressed it has not defended pitch invasions.
"Our club has never defended supporters entering the field of play and we have repeatedly taken action when it occurs."
Celtic added that they expected the context of the incident and distinctions in behaviour to have been taken into account, and noted another difference: on this occasion Celtic were not the home club responsible for stadium safety arrangements.
Rangers said at the time they would consider the outcome in full before determining their response; they have now moved to lodge an appeal alongside Celtic.
Wider implications for the Old Firm and Scottish football
The sanctions and subsequent appeals come against the backdrop of measures agreed earlier this month limiting away attendance at Old Firm fixtures in SPFL competitions for this season. That agreement signals an attempt by authorities and clubs to reduce the risk of future incidents, but the appeals indicate the matter is far from settled.
Key points revolve around accountability for crowd control, the distinction between spontaneous celebrations and dangerous incursions, and responsibility for safety in stadiums—issues that bear directly on how future derbies will be policed and managed.
- 43 arrests after post‑match disorder.
- Independent review warned of a foreseeable crushing risk linked to surging fans.
- Both clubs admitted charges but have appealed the closed‑doors penalties.
The appeals process will test the Scottish FA’s disciplinary reasoning and the balance it struck between deterrence and proportionality. If the panel’s decision is upheld, it would set a strong precedent for robust punishments following mass disorder; if overturned or reduced, it could reshape how sanctions are applied in future incidents involving supporters.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrests | 43 |
| Independent review finding | Risk of crushing incident due to surging fans |
| Clubs' stance | Admitted charges; now appealing |
With fan behaviour, stewarding and policing under intense scrutiny, the appeals will be watched closely by supporters, club boards and authorities. The outcome will influence how Old Firm fixtures are staged for the remainder of the campaign and could drive further changes in crowd management policy across Scottish football.
As the process unfolds, attention will centre on the evidence presented to appeal panels, the interpretation of the review’s findings and whether context and proportionality are judged to have been adequately considered in the original sanctions.
