Celtic and Rangers have lost their appeals against a Scottish Football Association (SFA) sanction that requires the two clubs to play their next home Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors. The decision also confirms the £100,000 fine that each club must pay their opponents for those matches. The punitive measures were imposed after a violent clash between supporters at the Ibrox quarter‑final in March, which saw 43 arrests and injuries to police officers.
The original penalty was triggered by the pitch‑side confrontation that erupted after the 0‑0 draw at Ibrox, which was followed by a 4‑2 shoot‑out victory for Celtic. During the post‑match celebrations, a wave of Celtic ultras stormed the pitch, prompting a counter‑attack from Rangers supporters. Fireworks and missiles were launched, and the police were forced to intervene. The incident led to a review by an independent panel headed by Mark Blackbourne, which concluded that the violence was “crushing” and “life‑threatening” in its potential, and that the behaviour of the Celtic ultras was “wholly inexcusable.” The report also criticised the reaction of Rangers supporters and highlighted concerns about the safety of police officers.
Both clubs had previously contested the severity of the punishment. Celtic described the sanction as “shocked” and “disproportionate,” while Rangers had already limited the number of away tickets for the upcoming League Cup match at Ibrox to just 300, citing the independent report and subsequent pitch‑invasions involving Celtic fans. The SPFL stepped in and decided that no away fans would be allowed at Old Firm matches this season in the Premiership and League Cup.
The SFA’s ruling lifts the threat of a second closed‑door match that would have applied to any Scottish Cup fixture before the end of next season, but the clubs must still play their next home ties without supporters in the stands. The £100,000 fine will be paid to the opposing clubs for those games. The decision comes as clubs and governing bodies reassess security protocols and the role of organised ultra groups in Scottish football. The next home Scottish Cup games for both Celtic and Rangers will therefore be played behind closed doors, marking a significant step in the ongoing effort to curb fan violence at Old Firm fixtures.