Old Firm clubs ordered to host cup matches without fans
Scottish football authorities have sanctioned Celtic and Rangers for supporter misconduct during last season's Scottish Cup quarter-final. Both clubs must play their next home Scottish Cup fixture behind closed doors and pay £100,000 to the opposing team. Celtic has called the punishment disproportionate, while Rangers has not yet commented.
The sanctions stem from the March Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox, where Celtic won on penalties. After the match, supporters from both sides entered the pitch, with fireworks and missiles thrown, injuries to police officers, and several arrests. An independent review later concluded the incident narrowly avoided becoming a violent mass confrontation, citing failures by both clubs and the Scottish FA's historically lenient approach.
Both clubs were charged under Scottish FA rule 37 for unacceptable conduct. The punishment includes a £100,000 payment to their next Scottish Cup opponent, and a potential second closed-door match if further incidents occur. The SFA's decision marks a notable departure from past penalties like fines or reduced ticket allocations, reflecting pressure from the independent review to address persistent crowd disorder.
These sanctions could reshape how Scottish football handles fan misconduct, signaling that severe penalties are now possible for major clubs. The financial and reputational impact may pressure both Celtic and Rangers to improve crowd control, while fans could face reduced access to cup matches. Other clubs may see this as a precedent, potentially leading to stricter enforcement across the sport, though the clubs' appeals could delay or alter the outcome.