Rangers have confirmed a 300-ticket away allocation for Celtic supporters for the upcoming Premier Sports Cup fixture at Ibrox. The club stated the decision was driven by matchday safety as the top priority following the pitch invasion on 8 March. This news was reported on the official Rangers website this week.
Rangers currently sit 9th in the Premiership with one point from two games, having scored two goals and conceded three. They are five points behind league leaders Celtic ahead of their next league match against Aberdeen. Midfielder José Cifuentes and forward Youssef Chermiti are currently sidelined with injuries, as shown on the club's injuries page.
Why was the ticket allocation reduced?
The club's decision directly references the events of 8 March and the subsequent Blackbourne Report. That report detailed how an initial pitch incursion can escalate into wider disorder involving both sets of supporters. Since that date, Rangers note there have been further pitch invasions involving Celtic fans at other matches.
A reduced allocation allows for greater individual ticket-holder accountability and stronger ingress controls. It also enables enhanced segregation measures and additional safety safeguards to be implemented. Preventing another pitch incursion is seen as vital to reducing the risk of further serious disorder.
What did Rangers propose to Celtic?
Following the recent cup draw, Rangers approached their rivals with proposals aimed at finding a sustainable way forward for these fixtures. Celtic took eight days to respond to these proposals. The club's official statement says Celtic's reply did not address Rangers' core concerns around accountability and deterrence for the behaviour witnessed in March.
Rangers state they have not seen a clear acknowledgement, condemnation, or deterrent messaging from Celtic regarding those events. The Glasgow club has been left to manage the significant consequences of the damage caused. This has led to ongoing concerns about whether enough has been done since March to demonstrate accountability and reduce the likelihood of the same behaviour being repeated.
How does this affect future derby safety?
Rangers remain concerned that a material risk of recurrence exists. The club believes risks will only be reduced through greater accountability, effective deterrence, and constructive joint working with all stakeholders and safety authorities. They have previously raised concerns where risks identified by the club were not given sufficient weight, including concerns related to the increased away allocation for the 8 March fixture itself.
The club will not be deterred from taking decisions it believes are necessary to protect the club, its stadium, and its supporters. Rangers also noted the decision of the Scottish FA Tribunal published today. They will consider that outcome in full, including its implications, before determining any further steps.
What is the wider context for Rangers?
This cup tie comes during a challenging start to the season for Rangers. The team's form reads LD from their opening two Premiership fixtures, leaving them with work to do in the standings. The upcoming schedule is demanding, with a trip to face Aberdeen next on the fixtures list. Managing high-pressure occasions like the Old Firm cup clash while addressing off-field safety protocols presents a dual challenge for the club as they seek to build momentum.
