“WHAT A DISGRACE!” — RANGERS FANS FURIOUS AS SPFL CONFIRMS MAJOR OLD FIRM BLOW

🚨 “WHAT A DISGRACE!” — RANGERS FANS FURIOUS AS SPFL CONFIRMS MAJOR OLD FIRM BLOW
Rangers supporters have been left devastated after the SPFL confirmed a decision that will dramatically change the Old Firm rivalry for the remainder of the 2026/27 season.
The league has announced that there will be no away supporters at SPFL matches between Rangers and Celtic for the rest of the campaign. That means visiting supporters will be absent from the upcoming Old Firm fixtures, including Rangers’ Premier Sports Cup meeting with Celtic at Ibrox on September 13 and Celtic’s league clash with Rangers on September 20. �
SPFL +1
For Rangers fans, the decision represents a huge disappointment. The Old Firm is famous around the world for its extraordinary atmosphere, intensity and passion, and away supporters have traditionally played an important role in creating that atmosphere.
The controversy comes after serious crowd trouble during the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox on March 8. Following Celtic’s victory on penalties, there were clashes involving supporters and a pitch invasion, prompting an independent review and renewed discussions over how Old Firm fixtures should be managed. �
Reuters
Initially, Rangers proposed giving Celtic just 300 away tickets for the upcoming League Cup match at Ibrox. Celtic rejected that proposal and sought a determination from the SPFL. Following discussions involving the clubs, the league and Police Scotland, the SPFL ultimately decided that removing away supporters completely was the safest temporary arrangement. �
SPFL +1
The Rangers Fan Advisory Board has strongly criticised the decision, saying supporters should be able to follow their team to away matches. The group described itself as deeply disappointed and argued that ordinary supporters are effectively paying the price for incidents involving a minority. �
inkl
That is where much of the anger comes from.
Rangers supporters can understandably feel that something fundamental has been taken away from the fixture. An Old Firm match without travelling supporters simply will not feel the same. The noise, banners, songs and tension generated by both sets of supporters are part of what makes these matches unique.
However, the SPFL has insisted that the decision is about safety rather than favouring one club. The league’s ruling applies to both Rangers and Celtic: neither side will have an away allocation in their SPFL meetings for the remainder of the season. �
SPFL +1
That distinction is important because claims that the SPFL is deliberately “supporting Celtic” are accusations rather than established facts. The official ruling affects both clubs equally.
Nevertheless, the frustration among Rangers supporters is real. They are now facing the prospect of watching some of the biggest matches of the season without being able to travel with their team.
The decision is also a warning to everyone connected with Scottish football. The authorities clearly believe that the previous arrangements were no longer sufficient following the incidents earlier this year.
For Rangers, Celtic and their supporters, the hope must now be that the necessary measures are put in place to restore away support in future seasons.
Because one thing is certain: **an Old Firm without away fans is a very different Old Firm.**