In a definitive decision impacting Scottish domestic football, there will be no away supporters permitted at any upcoming matches between Celtic and Rangers for the remainder of the 2026/27 season. The ruling applies directly to all upcoming Scottish Premiership fixtures as well as any prospective encounters in the League Cup. This temporary arrangement has been officially enacted by the league body following a comprehensive independent Scottish FA review into safety and security failures during the Scottish Cup quarter-final between the two clubs at Ibrox in March.
The primary catalyst for the governing body’s drastic measure occurred during the dramatic culmination of that March quarter-final tie at Ibrox. Following a high-tension match that was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout in favor of Celtic, the venue descended into chaos. The contest was severely marred by a widespread pitch invasion and direct clashes between rival supporters on the playing surface immediately after Celtic secured their victory from the penalty spot. The severity of the post-match breakdown prompted the independent Scottish FA review to evaluate safety protocols and assess the risks of continuing to allow opposing supporters inside host venues.
The implementation of the blanket ban has already drawn reactions from across the game. Derek McInnes has expressed deep disappointment over the prohibition of away supporters at Celtic and Rangers matches, highlighting the negative impact that total visiting fan exclusion has on the atmosphere of these high-stakes encounters. Despite these concerns regarding matchday environment, the Scottish Professional Football League and governing officials have insisted that the temporary sanction is necessary to preserve public safety and prevent further violent altercations for the rest of the current campaign.
As a direct result of the ruling, Celtic and Rangers fans will not be present in each other’s grounds for any remaining matchday throughout the rest of the 2026/27 season. The strict policy enforces a complete home-supporters-only mandate across all SPFL league meetings and League Cup ties involving the Glasgow clubs. By removing visiting contingents entirely, footballing authorities aim to mitigate safety threats and maintain order across all remaining domestic fixtures between the sides this term.
