Celtic and Rangers have agreed to a temporary ban on away supporters for all Old Firm matches during the 2026-27 season, following discussions between the Glasgow clubs and the Scottish Professional Football League.
Safety-Focused Decision
The arrangement covers Old Firm fixtures in both the Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup, with all parties prioritising crowd safety and security. The decision follows a review of crowd disorder that occurred during a cup tie in March, prompting the need for enhanced measures at future meetings between Scotland’s two biggest clubs.
“All parties have committed to working constructively during this period, with safety and security remaining the priority,” the SPFL stated in confirmation of the agreement.
Match-Day Planning Certainty
The temporary measure provides certainty for match-day planning across the fixture schedule, allowing both clubs and the SPFL to implement comprehensive safety protocols without the complications of managing visiting supporters at these historically volatile encounters. The three-way agreement demonstrates a collaborative approach to addressing the specific challenges presented by Old Firm derbies, which consistently draw intense attention due to the rivalry’s significance in Scottish football.
By removing away fans from these fixtures temporarily, organisers can focus resources on operational efficiency while maintaining the competitive nature of the matches themselves. The arrangement applies exclusively to the 2026-27 campaign, suggesting the parties will reassess the situation before the following season.