Verdict reached on Rangers away allocation for Celtic Park fixture

The SPFL has delivered its decision on the ongoing ticket dispute ahead of next weekend’s Old Firm clash at Celtic Park, confirming that Rangers will only be granted their full away allocation if they agree to Celtic’s specific conditions regarding ticket distribution.

At the centre of the disagreement is Celtic’s insistence that Rangers must not allocate any of their away tickets to the Union Bears, a prominent Rangers ultras group. Celtic introduced this condition after expressing safety concerns linked to recent crowd trouble during previous meetings between the two sides. Rangers, however, rejected the restriction, arguing that it was unfair and not in line with the usual reciprocal arrangements between the clubs.

Under the long-standing agreement between the sides, both Rangers and Celtic are typically entitled to around 5% of the host stadium’s capacity for away supporters in Old Firm fixtures. That principle was not in dispute. Instead, the argument focused entirely on whether Celtic could impose additional conditions on how Rangers distribute their allocation.

The issue was escalated to the SPFL Board after discussions between the clubs broke down. An independent SPFL sub-committee was convened to review the matter, with both sides presenting evidence and legal arguments ahead of the decision.

Following the hearing, the committee noted several key points. It described the breakdown in communication between the clubs as “extremely regrettable,” particularly given the importance and high-profile nature of the fixture. It also reaffirmed that there is a reciprocal agreement in place that normally guarantees each club around 5% of ticket allocation for away supporters.

However, the committee placed significant weight on the fact that the home club carries primary responsibility for safety and security under SPFL regulations. In this case, Celtic argued that its additional condition was a necessary and proportionate measure in light of recent disorder concerns. The committee acknowledged that Celtic, as the organising club, is entitled to implement safety measures it deems appropriate within its risk assessment duties.

Another factor highlighted was the timing of the referral, which came just over two weeks before the match. The committee noted that this left limited time for detailed examination and added to the complexity of the decision-making process. It also referenced the fact that a separate review into previous crowd disorder at an earlier match between the clubs has yet to be published, meaning it could not be taken into account.

Ultimately, the sub-committee ruled that it would not intervene in or override the home club’s safety assessment. It concluded that Celtic’s proposed conditions fell within its responsibilities under SPFL rules and therefore should stand. As a result, the 5% allocation was deemed reasonable, but only on the condition that Celtic’s restrictions are accepted.

In practical terms, this means Rangers will still be entitled to their usual away allocation in principle, but only if they agree to exclude the Union Bears from receiving tickets. If they refuse to accept that condition, they risk losing access to the allocation entirely.

The SPFL also used the opportunity to highlight broader concerns around the current rules governing such disputes. It noted that there had been growing agreement among clubs that the existing 14-day deadline for referrals to the board is too short to properly assess complex situations. Discussions are already underway about extending that timeframe to 35 days, with a formal proposal expected at the league’s AGM in June.

In a wider statement, the governing body described the situation as a reflection of ongoing tensions in managing high-risk fixtures and stressed the need for clearer, earlier resolution processes going forward.

For now, though, the decision stands: Rangers’ away support allocation for the Old Firm derby remains available, but only if Celtic’s conditions are accepted in full.