The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) have sided with Celtic following a dispute with Rangers over away ticket allocations for the upcoming Old Firm clash at Celtic Park.
Rangers had rejected Celtic’s condition that away tickets would only be issued if supporters from the Union Bears group were excluded, later escalating the matter to the SPFL board.
The Ibrox club argued the proposal would create a “material sporting imbalance” and set a damaging precedent, while stressing they had been working with Celtic to address safety concerns and wanted the fixture to remain fully allocated.
Celtic response to Rangers
Celtic, meanwhile, maintained they were prepared to provide the full allocation but only if tickets were not distributed to a specific group of supporters they believe were involved in recent disorder.
They insisted safety remained their priority and expressed disappointment at Rangers’ refusal, though indicated they were open to further discussions with the SPFL and their rivals.
SPFL side with Celtic over Rangers ticket row
Following the review, the governing body’s sub-committee has ruled in Celtic’s favour.
The Rangers’ allocation will be honoured, but the initial move to prevent the Union Bears from attending the fixture has been upheld.
No official response has yet been made by the SPFL, Celtic, or Rangers on the definitive situation.
Rangers favourites criticise Celtic decision
Former Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson criticised the situation.
Saying: “I’d be absolutely raging if you don’t get that 2500 allocation,” on the Five Stars Podcast.
“There’s an agreement in place. You’ve got to get the tickets.
“Rangers have got to get the tickets, plain and simple.”
Ex-Ibrox midfielder Ian Durrant also described Celtic’s stance as “ridiculous”.
