Rangers and Celtic away fan Old Firm ban branded 'really embarrassing' as return prediction made
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has banned away supporters from Old Firm matches between Rangers and Celtic for the 2026/27 season. This decision follows persistent fan violence and a failure to reach a ticketing agreement between the two clubs.
Why it matters
The ban highlights the ongoing struggle to manage safety and fan behavior in one of the world's most intense sporting rivalries.
Rangers and Celtic fans are feeling a sense of deja vu.
It was announced this week that there will be no away supporters in attendance for Scottish Premiership or Premier Sports Cup Old Firm matches in the 2026/27 season.
Rangers play host to their fierce rivals on 13 September in the Premier Sports Cup, before visiting Celtic Park a week later.
Initially, there had been agreements in place for five per cent ticket allocations for away supporters this season.
However, there was a review held following clashes between supporters on the pitch at Ibrox following a Scottish Cup clash in March.
Consequently, the SPFL took the decision to put a full ban on away supporters in place.
What have the SPFL said about the away fan Old Firm ban?
Rangers had offered Celtic around 300 away tickets following a risk assessment, which was rejected by the Bhoys.
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