No game in Scotland generates as much excitement as the Old Firm. But in the future, it will have to do so without away fans, as Celtic and Rangers have taken this decisive step in response to the chaotic scenes at Ibrox in early March.
The Cup quarterfinal between the Glasgow archrivals on March 8 was marred by serious riots, which led, among other things, to dozens of arrests. Hundreds of Rangers supporters, some of whom were masked, stormed the field and sought confrontation with Celtic fans, who had invaded the field to celebrate their team’s 4–2 victory in a penalty shootout. Pyrotechnics were set off on the field, and objects were thrown.
However, the decisive intervention of security personnel and police prevented a clash between the two rival fan groups on the field at Ibrox Stadium. In retrospect, an independent investigation into the incidents concluded that “mass panic” and “life-threatening violence” had been narrowly averted.
As a result, both clubs have now agreed not to allow visiting fans to attend the derby this season. However, this is not intended to be a permanent arrangement, as the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) stated in its announcement regarding the measures: “This temporary arrangement allows both clubs, together with the SPFL, Scottish police, and other relevant stakeholders, to properly review the findings and recommendations of the independent review, take the necessary measures, and ensure that sufficient time is available for thorough planning of future matches.”
Match Behind Closed Doors Plus Compensation Payments
However, banning away fans from upcoming derbies isn’t the only consequence; both clubs must also play their next home Scottish Cup match behind closed doors. There is also a somewhat curious consequence: Due to the lost revenue from shared ticket sales, both clubs must each pay the other 100,000 pounds (equivalent to 116,363 euros) in compensation. In effect, this is a classic case of “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
On the field, the two clubs will face off soon—twice, in fact: On September 13, Rangers will host Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup. A week later, the two archrivals will meet for their first league matchup at Celtic Park. That match will take place under the new regulations.
