The Scottish Professional Football League has ruled that no away supporters will be allowed at Scottish Premiership and League Cup meetings between Celtic and Rangers for the remainder of the 2026/27 season.
Decision follows March pitch incidents and independent review
The announcement, made after discussions between both clubs, Police Scotland and other stakeholders, comes in the wake of on-pitch clashes between supporters at Ibrox during the Scottish Cup tie in March and an independent review commissioned to examine the circumstances.
Both clubs had previously agreed to an away ticket allocation of five per cent for SPFL fixtures at each ground. Rangers subsequently offered 300 tickets for the first scheduled Premiership meeting in September — a figure substantially lower than the roughly 2,500 away tickets that would have been available under the five per cent arrangement. Celtic rejected that proposal, prompting the SPFL to step in and make a determination.
"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."
The SPFL added that the measure is aimed at providing greater certainty for supporters and matchday planners while the review’s recommendations are considered and implemented. It said the position will remain under review should circumstances materially change during the season, and that arrangements for matches beyond 2026/27 will be considered well in advance of the 2027/28 season.
Immediate fixture impact and logistics
The earliest affected fixtures are the Premier Sports Cup meeting at Ibrox on 13 September and the subsequent league tie at Parkhead a week later, both of which were due to be broadcast live. The move removes the need for ad hoc ticketing negotiations for individual matches and intends to limit uncertainty for supporters.
Police Scotland had to separate supporters following the March incident, an image which underlined the perceived risk to safety and security. The SPFL said all parties have committed to working constructively during the period that the temporary arrangement is in place, with safety remaining the priority.
- Previous agreed away allocation: 5%
- Rangers’ ticket offer for first game: 300 (versus c. 2,500)
- Immediate fixtures affected: 13 September (Premier Sports Cup at Ibrox) and a league meeting at Parkhead a week later
| Fixture | Date | Away supporter status |
|---|---|---|
| Rangers v Celtic (Premier Sports Cup) | 13 September | No away supporters |
| Celtic v Rangers (Premiership) | 20 September | No away supporters |
Wider consequences and next steps
The move is significant: Old Firm fixtures are among the most closely watched and commercially important in Scottish football, drawing national and international attention. Removing away fans will change the dynamic at these matches, affecting atmosphere, security deployment and ticket-income distribution for away clubs.
The SPFL’s temporary policy places emphasis on the outcomes of the independent review. Until its findings are fully acted upon — and until all stakeholders agree on any new protocols — the league has opted for a blanket approach to reduce the potential for repeat incidents and to allow for thorough planning.
Supporters’ groups will want clarity on how long the measures will remain in place and what criteria will be used to reassess the decision. Clubs and governing bodies must now balance fan engagement, commercial obligations and, crucially, public safety while preparing for further talks on fixtures beyond the current season.
For now, Old Firm football in SPFL competitions will proceed without the presence of away fans, as authorities seek to reset matchday arrangements in the wake of events earlier this year.
