- Union Bears urge Rangers fans to attend Celtic Park “all in black” despite their exclusion from match.
- SPFL uphold Celtic ban, leaving ultras group outside away allocation but encouraging full 2,500 support.
- Strict stadium rules and increased security measures in place amid heightened tensions before Old Firm fixture.
Rangers supporters group the Union Bears have called on the travelling support to attend Celtic Park “all in black” for tomorrow’s fixture, despite being formally excluded from the match.
The message, circulated across their social media channels, follows Celtic’s decision to ban the ultras group from the game.
Rangers lodged an appeal against the ruling, but the SPFL ultimately sided with Celtic, upholding the original decision and leaving the group without access to the away section.
Union Bears ‘All in Black’ message
In response, the Union Bears have urged Rangers supporters to still take up the full allocation of 2,500 tickets, encouraging a unified visual statement from those attending in their absence.
The call to action is not new.
It first appeared publicly in the away end at Tynecastle on Monday evening, where a banner reading “ALL IN BLACK 10.05” was displayed in Gorgie as part of the group’s wider messaging campaign ahead of the fixture.
There has also been online speculation suggesting that elements of the group may attempt to enter the stadium under the identity of the defunct singing section known as the Blue Order.
However, the recently renamed X account associated with that name has since been deleted, adding further uncertainty around those claims.
Celtic issue supporter crackdown
Rangers have also issued clear guidance from Celtic for those attending Sunday’s match regarding stadium regulations and security procedures.
A list of prohibited items has been published, with strict enforcement expected on arrival. Items not permitted include flag poles or canes, reinforced gloves, drums and megaphones.
Face coverings, including balaclavas commonly associated with the group, have also been explicitly banned.
Supporters were also reminded that all flags must comply with size restrictions and are subject to search.
While enhanced security measures will be in place at the turnstiles as part of the matchday operation.
Read Rangers analysis
With tensions heightened ahead of the fixture, attention will now turn to how the travelling support respond inside Celtic Park.
Both in terms of atmosphere and compliance with the strict matchday conditions in place.
Celtic and their own group the Green Bridge, were part of the major disruption following March’s derby match at Ibrox.
