🚨 Rangers Fans Banned from Celtic Park 🚨

Celtic have withheld the Rangers ticket allocation for the final Old Firm derby of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season at Celtic Park on 10 May.

It is understood that Celtic sought specific guarantees from Rangers that tickets would not be sold to the Union Bears ultras group. When those assurances were reportedly not provided, Celtic took the decision to withhold the away allocation entirely. This would normally account for around 2,200 to 2,500 tickets in the away section at Parkhead.

This latest escalation adds to the long-running Old Firm ticketing dispute and comes just weeks after chaotic scenes at Ibrox during the Scottish Cup quarter-final on 8 March 2026, where Celtic knocked Rangers out on penalties.

What began as a goalless draw ended in penalty drama, but the aftermath made the headlines. Dozens of Celtic fans invaded the pitch in celebration, while hundreds of Rangers supporters, many linked to the Union Bears end, moved across the stadium. Missiles were thrown, police and stewards were attacked, injuries were reported on both sides, and multiple arrests were made. Police Scotland described the behaviour as “shameful,” while the Scottish FA launched an immediate investigation.

Background to the Ticketing Dispute

Old Firm fixtures have a complicated history regarding away allocations. For years, both clubs operated with reduced away support, often between 700 and 1,000 tickets, due to safety concerns, pyro incidents, and crowd disorder.

There was also a period where away fans were completely absent from league derbies. A gradual return to larger allocations, sometimes reaching around 2,500 in cup matches, was later negotiated under Scottish Cup guidelines that allow up to 20% of stadium capacity for away supporters.

In the March 2026 Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox, Celtic were allocated around 7,500 tickets, one of the largest away supports in recent years. That arrangement was seen as a one-off compromise supported by the Scottish FA.

However, the post-match disorder changed the tone completely.

Celtic argue that Rangers supporters, particularly elements of the Union Bears, were heavily involved in pitch incursions and disorder. Following this, Celtic demanded assurances that any away allocation for the May fixture would exclude known troublemakers. Rangers reportedly refused to provide such guarantees, describing them as impractical. Celtic then withdrew the allocation entirely.

Rangers Response

Rangers have strongly criticised the decision, accusing Celtic of damaging sporting integrity. They argue that removing away fans creates an unfair advantage at a key stage of the season, especially in a tightly contested league campaign.

The club is expected to raise the issue with the Scottish Professional Football League or Scottish Football Association, arguing that collective punishment of ordinary supporters is unacceptable.

Celtic Position

Celtic maintain that the decision is based on safety concerns. They point to the violence and disorder at Ibrox, including attacks on stewards and police, pitch invasions, and the use of objects as missiles.

From their perspective, without firm guarantees over ticket control, they cannot responsibly allocate thousands of tickets to a group they believe presents a risk.

The Role of Ultras Groups

The Union Bears are Rangers’ main ultra group, known for large displays and vocal support but also linked to disorder in past matches. Celtic’s Green Brigade has also faced sanctions and restrictions over pyro use and political displays.

Both clubs have struggled to fully control their most organised supporter groups, and both sets of ultras have been involved in previous flashpoint incidents during Old Firm matches.

Many ordinary supporters from both clubs argue they are being unfairly punished for the actions of a small minority.

Fan Reaction

Reaction to the decision has been sharply divided. Rangers supporters have described the move as unfair and excessive, accusing Celtic of avoiding scrutiny and punishing innocent fans. Some have called for intervention from football authorities.

Celtic supporters have largely defended the decision, pointing to the violence at Ibrox and arguing that safety must come first.

Neutral fans and commentators have expressed concern that the ongoing cycle of retaliation is damaging the reputation of Scottish football.

Broader Impact on Scottish Football

The dispute raises wider concerns about the future of Old Firm fixtures with away fans. There are fears that large away allocations could disappear permanently if disorder continues.

Police Scotland have also raised concerns about whether current arrangements for high-risk matches are sustainable.

What Happens Next

Rangers are expected to formally challenge the decision through football authorities. Celtic are expected to stand by their safety assessment unless alternative guarantees are provided.

Police will still prepare for a major operation for the 10 May fixture, regardless of away support.

Conclusion

This latest escalation highlights the fragile nature of Old Firm relations both on and off the pitch. While the rivalry remains one of the most intense in world football, the repeated cycle of disorder, retaliation, and collective punishment continues to overshadow the sport itself.

For now, Celtic Park is set to host a fully home-supported fixture, while Rangers fans face another locked-out away day in one of football’s biggest rivalries.