Celtic and Rangers Agree Away Fan Ban for Old Firm Derbies Following Ibrox Incidents

Celtic and Rangers have reached an agreement alongside the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) to bar away supporters from upcoming Old Firm derbies following incidents of crowd trouble at Ibrox.

The decision marks another significant development in the ongoing management of one of world football's most volatile fixtures. Glasgow's two dominant clubs, in coordination with the league governing body, have opted to enforce the measure to mitigate safety risks and prevent further unrest on matchdays.

The move to exclude traveling fans follows unrest during clashes at Ibrox, prompting football administrators and club executives to take decisive regulatory action. While away allocations for the fixture have been a point of contention and negotiation across recent seasons, the latest agreement establishes a zero-allocation policy between the sides for the foreseeable meetings across domestic competition.

Tensions surrounding ticketing and supporter safety have frequently tested relations between Celtic, Rangers, and the SPFL. In recent campaigns, away allocations had already been reduced to minimal fractions of stadium capacity compared to the traditional allocations of previous decades. This latest ruling completely removes the visiting contingent, meaning upcoming derby clashes in both the Scottish Premiership and domestic cup competitions will be played exclusively in front of home supporters.

Crowd control and fan safety have remained top priorities for authorities overseeing Scottish football's marquee match. Derbies between Celtic and Rangers carry immense cultural, historical, and sporting significance, but persistent security concerns inside and around the grounds have forced governing bodies to intervene.

By securing a mutual pact with the SPFL, both clubs aim to stabilize matchday operations and eliminate direct flashpoints between rival fanbases in the stands. The exclusion of visiting supporters ensures that stadium logistics and policing can be consolidated entirely around managing the home crowd.

Neither club nor the league has indicated a fixed timeline for when away allocations might be reconsidered, leaving the fixture to proceed under strict single-support conditions until safety reassessments are conducted.