SPFL releases a statement following Celtic’s decision to withhold away tickets for the upcoming Old Firm match.

Scottish Professional Football League has issued a response following Celtic FC’s decision to withhold away tickets for the upcoming Old Firm clash against Rangers FC at Parkhead.

As it stands, the post-split Premiership fixture scheduled for May 10 will take place without any Rangers supporters present in the stadium. Celtic have opted not to provide an away allocation for the match, a move that follows incidents which occurred after last month’s derby at Ibrox.

Rangers fans at Celtic Park (Image: Shutterstock)

The consequence of this decision is that visiting fans from Rangers will not be in attendance for one of the most high-profile fixtures of the Scottish season. The absence of away supporters has added further tension to an already intense rivalry.

Both clubs have since addressed the matter publicly, leading the SPFL to release an official statement clarifying its position and outlining the next steps in the process. The governing body confirmed that it has now been formally approached to intervene.

In its statement, the SPFL explained that it had received a request from Rangers seeking a determination regarding the arrangements for the upcoming league match away to Celtic. The fixture, part of the William Hill Premiership schedule, is set to take place on Sunday, May 10.

The league body noted that this request came after attempts by the two clubs to resolve the issue through discussions failed to produce an agreement. Talks between Celtic and Rangers over ticket allocations did not lead to a compromise, leaving the situation unresolved.

Celtic subsequently informed Rangers that they were not in a position to provide any tickets for visiting supporters for the match at Parkhead. This notification effectively confirmed that there would be no away section for Rangers fans at the game.

An SPFL spokesperson elaborated on the process that will now follow. According to the statement, the SPFL Board will appoint a sub-committee tasked with reviewing Rangers’ request. This group will consider the matter under the relevant league regulations, specifically Rule I27, which governs disputes of this nature.

The formation of a sub-committee indicates that the issue will be examined formally, with the governing body expected to assess whether Celtic’s decision aligns with league rules and whether any further action is required.

The situation has its roots in events that took place after the previous Old Firm meeting at Ibrox last month. Reports suggest that those incidents played a significant role in Celtic’s decision to withhold tickets for the return fixture.

Efforts were made by both clubs to find a resolution through dialogue, but those discussions ultimately broke down without an agreement being reached. As a result, Celtic proceeded with their decision and communicated it directly to Rangers.

The absence of away supporters is a notable development, given the traditional presence of fans from both sides at Old Firm matches. These fixtures are typically characterized by a strong atmosphere generated by both sets of supporters, making the lack of visiting fans particularly significant.

Rangers’ decision to escalate the matter to the SPFL reflects their dissatisfaction with the situation. By requesting a determination, they are seeking clarity on whether the decision complies with league regulations and whether any remedies are available.

The SPFL’s involvement now places the issue within a formal framework, with the appointed sub-committee expected to review all relevant details before reaching a conclusion. This process will likely consider the circumstances surrounding the decision, including safety concerns and previous incidents.

For now, the expectation remains that the match will proceed without Rangers supporters unless the SPFL determines otherwise. The timeline for any decision has not been specified, leaving some uncertainty as the fixture approaches.

This development adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming Old Firm encounter, which is already one of the most anticipated fixtures in Scottish football. The absence of away fans could have an impact on the atmosphere and overall dynamic of the match.

While Celtic have taken their stance based on recent events, Rangers’ appeal to the SPFL ensures that the issue will be examined further. The outcome of that review will be closely watched by both clubs and their supporters, as well as by the wider football community.

Ultimately, the situation highlights the challenges involved in managing high-profile fixtures with intense rivalries, particularly when off-field incidents influence decisions regarding fan attendance.