David Edgar reacts angrily to major announcement ahead of Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. clash

David Edgar has launched a furious attack after the explosive announcement ahead of the latest Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Old Firm showdown.

Celtic confirmed they will refuse entry to members of the Union Bears for next month’s clash at Parkhead, citing the fallout from the heated Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox — a tie the Hoops edged on penalties.

But Edgar isn’t buying it.

The Heart and Hand podcast host has branded the decision “blatant cheating,” accusing Celtic of trying to gain a sporting advantage by restricting away support — despite Rangers allowing visiting fans earlier this season without conditions.

For Edgar, the move goes against everything Celtic claim to stand for.

Taking to X, he fumed:
“This is blatant cheating to gain an advantage. What happened to their much-prized ‘sporting integrity’?
The Compliance Officer has to intervene here.”

The backlash has only intensified tensions between the rivals.

Rangers have firmly rejected Celtic’s demands and escalated the matter to the Scottish Professional Football League, warning that removing away fans from such a crucial fixture would create a “clear and material sporting imbalance.”

The Ibrox club also stressed they had condemned the March incidents and were willing to work with Celtic on security — but drew the line at selective bans.

In a strongly-worded statement, Rangers made it clear: no conditions, no compromise.

They also warned the move could set a dangerous precedent for future seasons — something they are determined to resist.

Now, with both clubs refusing to back down, the SPFL has stepped in.

A sub-committee will be appointed to resolve the dispute, with the league acknowledging that a neutral decision is now required after talks collapsed.

The stakes couldn’t be higher.

With the title race reaching its climax, this latest Old Firm flashpoint threatens to spill far beyond the pitch — and once again, the rivalry is being defined as much by controversy as football.