- Union Bears withdraw from allocation, reducing impact but tensions between clubs and authorities remain unresolved.
- Rangers condemn SPFL ruling on Celtic ticket allocation, warning of damaging precedent for Scottish football governance.
- Club insists focus must return to football ahead of decisive Old Firm fixture at Celtic Park.
Rangers have issued a strongly worded response after the SPFL upheld a decision linked to the ongoing Old Firm ticket dispute with Celtic.
The ruling relates to the allocation for the upcoming match at Celtic Park on 10 May, with the governing body siding with conditions previously set out in relation to supporter attendance.
Rangers express “deep disappointment” at ruling
In an official statement, Rangers made clear their frustration with how the process has unfolded, warning of wider consequences for Scottish football.
“We are deeply disappointed with the SPFL’s decision to accept the ultimatum placed upon our ticket allocation for the game on 10 May,” the statement read.
The club argue that the decision undermines long-standing agreements between clubs regarding away support allocations and risks setting a precedent that could affect future fixtures.
“It sets a concerning precedent with potentially lasting consequences for the league and match-going fans, cutting across the spirit of the competition.”
The Gers also reiterated their position that the matter should be viewed in the broader context of governance and consistency rather than isolated incidents.
Union Bears step back from allocation
In a significant development, the Union Bears have now confirmed they will not take up tickets for the fixture.
“The Union Bears have volunteered that they do not wish to be included within the club’s ticket allocation for this fixture.”
This shows an attempt, on the ultras group’s side, to ensure the wider support is not affected by the ongoing controversy.
With Rangers now able to proceed with distributing the remaining tickets.
Defending the club and supporters
Rangers also stressed their commitment to protecting the club’s reputation while wider investigations continue into the events surrounding the March Old Firm fixture.
“Our club, our supporters and the reputation of Rangers will continue to be defended robustly while the Scottish FA’s independent process regarding the events on 8 March runs its course.”
The reference relates to ongoing scrutiny from the governing body into crowd disorder following Celtic’s supporters pitch invasion last Month.
This has been central to the escalation of tensions between the clubs.
Focus shifts back to the pitch
Despite the off-field controversy, Rangers emphasised that attention must now return to football, with the season entering a decisive phase.
“This is a defining match at a crucial stage of the season.
“It is important that Rangers supporters are present to back their team.
“We will therefore take up the allocation available to us.
“Our focus now turns to the matches ahead, on the field and off it.”
Read Rangers analysis
The immediate flashpoint has eased with the Union Bears stepping away, but the broader dispute remains unresolved.
Rangers’ statement makes clear their frustration is not only with the outcome, but with the process itself.
In particular, the principle of conditional allocations being accepted under external pressure.
For now, attention returns to football.
But the underlying tension between the clubs, and the governing structures overseeing them, shows no sign of disappearing.
