Rangers and their rivals Celtic will play all Old Firm derbies this season without away supporters. The Scottish Professional Football League confirmed the ban on Friday 4 September 2026, as reported by Sky Sports, after the clubs could not agree on a safe ticketing allocation.
The decision impacts all league and Premier Sports Cup meetings between the Glasgow giants for the remainder of the 2026/27 campaign. It follows on-pitch clashes between fans after a Scottish Cup match last March, which prompted an independent review. The SPFL stated this temporary arrangement allows time to consider that review's findings and gives greater certainty for matchday planning.
Why were away fans banned?
The ban stems from a direct breakdown in talks over ticket numbers. Both clubs had a prior agreement for a five per cent away allocation for SPFL games. For the upcoming Premier Sports Cup tie at Ibrox on 13 September, Rangers offered Celtic 300 tickets instead of the expected 2,500, citing their own risk assessment. Celtic rejected that proposal, leading the league to step in and impose a total away fan lockout for all derbies this season.
SPFL officials said all parties have committed to working constructively during this period. The position will be reviewed if circumstances change, and arrangements for the 2027/28 season will be considered well in advance.
What have the managers said?
Both managers expressed disappointment but understanding. Celtic boss Martin O'Neill called the situation sad for ordinary fans. "I must admit, it's one of the most phenomenal fixtures in European football, if not the world," O'Neill told Sky Sports. "And despite the calibre of the teams, it's just a mouth-watering fixture."
Rangers manager Derek McInnes said he learned the news after training. "The first reaction is disappointing that it's been made," McInnes said. "It's always better when opposition fans are allowed into a derby game, but obviously in the context of everything that's gone on with this fixture there's a lot to consider."
Where does this leave Rangers' season?
The news arrives as Rangers sit sixth in the Premiership table with seven points from four games. Their record shows two wins, one draw, and one loss, with a goal difference of plus one after scoring five and conceding four. They are currently five points behind league leaders Celtic.
Their next match is a home fixture against third-placed Heart of Midlothian on 19 December 2026, a key game in the standings race. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full fixtures list on our site. The immediate focus, however, will be on an unprecedented Old Firm atmosphere at Ibrox on 13 September, a match live on Sky Sports.
The final say goes to the calendar: the derby at Parkhead follows just a week later on 20 September, also broadcast live, with both sets of supporters watching from home.
