Celtic and Rangers Old Firm derbies to have no away fans this season

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has announced a temporary ban on away supporters for all Old Firm derby matches between Celtic and Rangers for the remainder of the 2026/27 season. This decision applies to fixtures in both the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup.

The measure follows a violent incident during a Scottish Cup quarterfinal at Ibrox Stadium on March 8, where fans from both clubs invaded the pitch, threw flares, and engaged in altercations following a penalty shootout victory for Celtic. An independent investigation described the event as nearly resulting in “mass panic” and “life-threatening violence,” leading to dozens of arrests.

The SPFL stated that this “temporary arrangement” will allow clubs, police, and stakeholders to properly review the findings of the independent investigation and implement necessary safety measures. The ban aims to ensure sufficient time for meticulous planning of future high-risk matches. The arrangement is subject to review if circumstances change significantly during the season.