Celtic and Rangers ordered to play Scottish Cup home matches behind closed doors
Quick Look
Celtic and Rangers have been ordered to play their next Scottish Cup home matches without fans and pay £100,000 each to their drawn opponents following fan disorder during last season's quarter-final, with potential for additional sanctions if further incidents occur.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Last season's Scottish Cup quarter-final between Celtic and Rangers ended with fan disorder after Celtic won on penalties at Ibrox, leading to supporters from both teams entering the pitch.
Celtic and Rangers have both been ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup matches behind closed doors after last season's quarter-final was marred by fan disorder.
Both clubs will also have to pay £100,000 to the team they are drawn against in that fixture.
The two clubs could also face a second home match without fans if there is a further incident of either side's supporters engaging in "unacceptable conduct" in a Scottish Cup fixture.
Celtic progressed to last season's semi-finals by beating Rangers on penalties at Ibrox, after which fans of both teams spilled on to the pitch.
The sanctions are likely to come into force when both sides enter this season's Scottish Cup in January.
Meanwhile, Rangers say they will provide Celtic with 300 tickets for next month's Scottish League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.
Celtic had been given 8,000 tickets for the 8 March Scottish Cup tie.
Celtic said: "We are shocked by this disproportionate punishment for a relatively small incursion by Celtic supporters at a moment of emotion and celebration.
"Our club has never defended supporters entering the field of play and we have repeatedly taken action when it occurs.
"However, we understand the part emotion plays in football and would have expected the context and distinction in behaviours to have been taken into account by the panel.
"Another important distinction is that, on this occasion, Celtic were not the home club, responsible for stadium safety arrangements.
"We will study the panel's report and reasoning when it is available and will thereafter consider our next steps."
Rangers said: "We note the decision of the Scottish FA tribunal published today and will now consider the outcome in full, including its implications, before determining any further steps."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Celtic and Rangers will appeal the sanctions or seek clarification on the tribunal's reasoning
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- When exactly will the sanctions take effect?
- What specific criteria will determine if a second home match is played behind closed doors?
- What is the full reasoning behind the Scottish FA tribunal's decision?




