Celtic v Rangers ticket row escalates after 3 statements as SPFL makes next move

Celtic are due to host Rangers on Sunday, May 9 at Parkhead in what will be the first match between the two teams since last month’s Scottish Cup quarter-final was marred by crowd trouble.

Both sets of fans spilled on to the pitch at Ibrox after Celtic prevailed in a penalty shoot-out on March 8 and there were 13 arrests made. Around 7000 away supporters were present due to the game being a cup tie and while league allocations are traditionally lower, Rangers had been expecting to receive briefs for the match next month.

It has emerged that Celtic requested to Rangers that tickets would not be sold to the Union Bears, a prominent fan group, but the Ibrox hierarchy dismissed it. As a result, Celtic have decided not to make an away section available for what is likely to be a crucial match in the Premiership title race.

The matter has now been referred to the SPFL, who have been asked by Rangers to arbitrate on the matter, with reference made to Rule I27, which reads: “The Home club must make provision for the admission of such reasonable number of visiting supporters at every home League Match and Play-Off Match as may be agreed in advance with the Visiting Club and, in the event of their being unable to agree such number not later than 14 days prior to the date of the League Match or Play-Off Match in question, the number of visiting supporters allowed shall be determined by the Board whose decision shall be final and binding.”

Both clubs released statements on Friday evening setting out their stance on the matter. Celtic wrote: “Following the most recent derby match at Ibrox, Celtic Football Club has engaged in dialogue with Rangers FC with regards to ticketing for the forthcoming game at Celtic Park.

“To be clear, we are ready and willing to make the full allocation as normal available to Rangers FC, subject to a condition regarding distribution to a particular section.

“Celtic’s priority will always be the safety of those attending Celtic Park, and following a detailed risk assessment with regards to the forthcoming match, the club has made a reasonable request of Rangers FC that tickets are not distributed to a section of supporters which very recently and identifiably engaged in serious violence and disorder involving Celtic supporters, staff, police and stewards.

“To our surprise and disappointment Rangers have not agreed to this request. Celtic are ready to engage further with the SPFL and Rangers FC on this matter.”

Rangers ‘firmly reject Celtic conditions’

Rangers’ communication was as follows: “Yesterday, Celtic FC informed us that they will not provide any tickets for the forthcoming game to our supporters unless we agree not to allocate tickets to members of the Union Bears.

“We have firmly rejected those conditions and have referred the matter to the SPFL Board.

“Rangers is fully committed to safety at football matches, and we have been clear in condemning the actions of certain individuals on 8 March. We have been attempting to work with Celtic to mitigate any security concerns for the upcoming match.

“At a crucial stage of the season, the removal of away supporters from one of the defining fixtures of the competition would introduce a clear and material sporting imbalance. It would also set a precedent with potentially significant consequences for the league in future seasons.

“This game is an opportunity for Scottish football to demonstrate that it can respond constructively to recent events. It should be a showcase occasion and a chance to rebuild confidence in how matches of this nature are managed.

“We want what supporters of both clubs expect - a match decided on the pitch, with both sets of supporters present.

“We ask the SPFL board to uphold the integrity of the competition, enforce the rules and ensure that the agreement in place between both clubs is honoured.”

The ball is now in the SPFL’s court, with the game taking place in three weeks time. An SPFL spokesperson added: “The SPFL Board will now appoint a sub-committee to consider Rangers’ request for a determination under SPFL Rule I27.”

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