---
title: "Rangers Appeal SFA Closed-Doors Sanction Following Crowd Trouble"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/09/26/rangers-celtic-appeal-sfa-behind-closed-doors-sanction/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Graeme Hanna"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-09-26T05:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-26T05:00:00Z"
---

# Rangers Appeal SFA Closed-Doors Sanction Following Crowd Trouble

## Rangers and Celtic Lodge Appeal Over Scottish FA Sanctions

The Rangers appeal against Scottish FA sanctions has been lodged alongside a matching challenge from Celtic, with both clubs disputing punishments handed down after crowd trouble at Ibrox Stadium.

The governing body ordered each club to play their next home Scottish Cup fixture behind closed doors.

Both clubs were also told to pay a sum to the opposing side over the disorder that marred last season’s [Scottish Cup quarter-final](https://readrangers.com/2026/08/28/celtic-blame-rangers-over-scottish-cup-disorder-they-are-shocked-after-ruling/)

Rangers and Celtic are now contesting both elements of the sanction through the appeal process.

## SFA Appeal Date Set as Clubs Challenge Penalties and Fines

Celtic said the club was “shocked” by the scale of the punishment and branded it a “disproportionate punishment”, according to the [Sky Sports report](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12040/13591856/celtic-and-rangers-appeal-scottish-fa-behind-closed-doors-sanction-after-old-firm-crowd-trouble).

Police Scotland confirmed that 43 arrests were made in connection with the disorder at Ibrox.

An independent review led by Mark Blackbourne examined the disorder in detail and found that crushing and life-threatening violence were narrowly avoided during the crowd trouble, outside and inside the stadium.

The report states: “The post-match pitch invasion by several hundred Celtic supporters was wholly inexcusable. It provoked an immediate hostile response from sections of the home support, who forced past stewards and police to reach the pitch.”

It adds that “the Celtic Ultras were the first to enter the pitch in jubilation, with others following their lead”, while “the Union Bears’ movement onto the track and towards the pitch was reactionary, confrontational, and overtly threatening.

In both cases, the proximity of these groups to the playing surface materially increased the likelihood of a mass incursion and contributed to the rapid escalation of disorder.”

Officers at the scene were described as “petrified” during a Glasgow City Council Special SAG meeting held after the match.

Blackbourne wrote that “that word must be read in context, not in isolation, but so qualified, it remains deeply disturbing for Scottish football”, adding that “this reference demands the most serious attention from all parties with responsibility for the governance of safety and security at major football fixtures in Scotland”.

Questions were also asked of the police regarding their preparation and operation on the day, but the force has come out of the review and the aftermath unscathed.

Yes, the police have a tough job to do, but two lines in front of both ends during the penalties would have made quite a difference.

This type of approach in Old Firm games since then suggests that something was amiss.

The closed-doors sanction, if it stands, would leave Ibrox without home support for whichever Scottish Cup tie is drawn next, and what if that happens to be another derby clash?

## October 26 Hearing Date Set as Legal Timeline Unfolds

The appeal hearing for both clubs has been scheduled for October 26. That date will decide whether the closed-doors order and the fines are upheld, reduced or overturned.

Until then, the Rangers SFA appeal and Celtic’s own challenge remain live, with no ruling expected before the hearing itself.