The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has sided with Celtic in a contentious row over away ticket allocations for the upcoming Old Firm derby on May 10.
Celtic had offered Rangers approximately 2,400 tickets for the Scottish Premiership clash at Celtic Park, but with the stipulation that none of these tickets could be distributed to the Union Bears, a Rangers supporters' group. Rangers refused to accept the condition and referred the matter to the SPFL board, which subsequently formed a sub-committee to review the issue.
That committee has decided not to overrule a risk assessment carried out by Celtic, who claim the Union Bears were partly responsible for disorder during the Scottish Cup quarter-final between the two clubs at Ibrox in March—a match Celtic won on penalties.
As a result, Celtic will not sell the unsold away allocation to home fans, and the SPFL has stated that it is now up to Rangers to decide whether to take the tickets under the offered terms.
The cup game was the fourth meeting this season between the sides at either Celtic Park or Ibrox to feature away supporters, following a period of no away allocations. However, the Scottish Cup tie had a larger away contingent (15%) due to competition rules.
The SPFL's decision means Rangers supporters—specifically the Union Bears—could be banned from the away end for the first Old Firm league game at Celtic Park since December.
Rangers have reiterated that they "have been clear in condemning the actions of certain individuals on 8 March" and have been "attempting to work with Celtic to mitigate any security concerns for the upcoming match." They also argued that removing away supporters from such a pivotal fixture—one that could help decide a three-way title race involving leaders Hearts and the two Old Firm clubs—"would introduce a clear and material sporting imbalance."
Celtic, on the other hand, have insisted that their demand to exclude a section of Rangers supporters was reasonable, citing the need to ensure safety. They expressed "surprise and disappointment" that Rangers did not agree to their request and said they remain open to discussions with their rivals and the league.
The defending champions added: "Our 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."
A separate investigation by the Scottish FA into the March cup tie, led by sports event consultant Mark Blackbourne, has yet to be published.