The Old Firm rivalry is set for a major change this season after Celtic and Rangers agreed to a complete away-supporter ban for their domestic meetings.
The Scottish Professional Football League has confirmed that no away supporters will be permitted at Celtic-Rangers matches in SPFL competitions for the remainder of the 2026/27 season. The decision follows the disorder that surrounded their Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox in March.
The decision represents a dramatic change for one of football’s most famous rivalries. Celtic and Rangers matches have traditionally been known for their intense atmosphere, with supporters from both sides filling the stadium and creating one of the most passionate environments in European football.
However, concerns over crowd behaviour have continued to grow. The Scottish Cup meeting in March was followed by serious disorder, including incidents involving supporters and a pitch invasion. The authorities subsequently reviewed the circumstances surrounding the match before introducing the new arrangement.
Under the temporary agreement, supporters will still be able to attend Old Firm matches, but only fans of the home team will be present inside the stadium.
That means Rangers supporters will not have an away allocation when Celtic host Rangers, while Celtic supporters will face the same restriction when their team travels to Ibrox.
The timing is particularly significant because the two Glasgow giants are preparing to meet again in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final on September 13 at Ibrox. Both teams have also made strong starts to the season, adding further anticipation to the fixture.
For supporters, however, the absence of an away section could completely change the atmosphere surrounding the matches.
The decision has already generated debate among fans, with questions being raised about whether removing away supporters is the correct long-term solution or simply a temporary response to recent incidents.
From the authorities’ perspective, safety remains the priority.
Celtic and Rangers remain two of the biggest clubs in Scottish football, and their meetings attract enormous attention. But the latest restrictions demonstrate the seriousness with which authorities are treating supporter disorder.
The challenge now is for both clubs and their supporters to ensure that future Old Firm meetings can take place safely.
For now, one of football’s fiercest rivalries is entering a new era—and when Celtic and Rangers meet again, the familiar sight of thousands of travelling supporters will be missing from the stands.
