started · updated
Celtic and Rangers ordered to play Scottish Cup home games behind closed doors
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has issued unprecedented sanctions against Celtic and Rangers, ordering both clubs to play their next Scottish Cup home matches behind closed doors. Additionally, both clubs have been fined £100,000, with the funds to be paid to the visiting teams for those specific fixtures.
The disciplinary action follows serious crowd disorder during a Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox in March, where Celtic defeated Rangers 4-2 in a penalty shootout. The incident involved pitch invasions and the throwing of fireworks, resulting in several injuries to police officers and 43 arrests.
An independent review noted that the situation narrowly avoided large-scale violence and criticized both clubs for shortcomings, while also noting that the SFA had previously lacked sufficient urgency in addressing crowd trouble. The SFA has warned that any repeat of unacceptable behavior in the Scottish Cup through the 2027-28 season could trigger a second stadium closure.
Celtic has responded by expressing shock, labeling the punishment as “disproportionate” for what they described as a relatively small incursion occurring during a moment of celebration. The club also noted that they were not the home team responsible for stadium safety arrangements during the incident.
Entities
Celtic FC · Ibrox Stadium · Rangers FC · Scottish Cup · Scottish Football Association
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Forty-three people were detained in connection with the disorder following the match. sundayguardianlive.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Celtic expressed shock at the punishment, calling it disproportionate to the scale of the supporter incursion. www.celticquicknews.co.uk · sport.hrt.hr · www.stiripesurse.ro · sundayguardianlive.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Celtic argued they were not the home club and therefore not responsible for stadium safety arrangements during the incident. www.celticquicknews.co.uk · sundayguardianlive.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The disorder occurred after Celtic defeated Rangers 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw. www.celticquicknews.co.uk · nigeriafootball.ng · sundayguardianlive.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] A second stadium closure will be triggered if further disorder occurs during the Scottish Cup through the 2027-28 season. nigeriafootball.ng · sport.hrt.hr · www.stiripesurse.ro · sundayguardianlive.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Both clubs have been fined £100,000, which will be paid to the opposing team visiting for those fixtures. nigeriafootball.ng · sport.hrt.hr · www.stiripesurse.ro · sundayguardianlive.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Celtic and Rangers must play their next Scottish Cup home matches behind closed doors. nigeriafootball.ng · sport.hrt.hr · www.stiripesurse.ro · sundayguardianlive.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] An independent review found that the disorder in March came close to becoming a large-scale violent confrontation. nigeriafootball.ng · sundayguardianlive.com