Scottish FA send message to UEFA with Rangers vs Celtic action already after new announcement
Rangers are booked in for an additional Old Firm derby this season as they face Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final.
Russell Martin’s team beat Hibernian in the quarter-finals of the cup competition on 20 September, with Nicolas Raskin and Bojan Miovski finding the back of the net in the 2-0 victory.
Chris Sutton is excited for the Old Firm derby at Hampden Park on 1 November, but some fans may not get the opportunity to enjoy it to the fullest.
The use of pyrotechnics has been illegal since 2023, but that hasn’t stopped supporters from using it, leading to punishment and fines from the Scottish FA.
This article contains exclusive comments from former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett.
Rangers and Celtic tickets already cut ahead of Hampden showdown
Back in March, the Gers and Celtic saw their ticket allocations for their next Premier Sports Cup tie at Hampden Park reduced by 500 each.
Both sets of fans set off pyrotechnics during last season’s semi-finals and final, leading to punishment following the judgment of an independent panel.
Former Premier League referee Hackett believes such actions send a message to UEFA that footballing authorities in Scotland are trying to curb such behaviour in stadiums.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the ex-FIFA-listed official said: “Not being able to watch this game for many fans who were not involved in the pyrotechnics will be a huge disappointment. Taking this action will demonstrate to the fans and, more importantly, UEFA that they are taking action to punish offenders and avoid problems in the future.
“Sadly, I expect some will attend and ignore that sanction and bring with them the pyrotechnics. Well done to the Scottish FA for attempting to put a dampener on the fans’ behaviour.”
Read More: Andrew Cavenagh at crossroad as Russell Martin dilemma emerges
Will Russell Martin be in charge for Celtic tie at Hampden Park?
Russell Martin’s future at Ibrox is still uncertain despite beating Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup.
The Scottish manager still has a long way to go before bringing fans back on his side, which seems like an insurmountable feat at this stage.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the 39-year-old head coach’s name back in the headlines at Ibrox if the Light Blues lose or even draw any of their upcoming matches.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 13 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
Rangers supporters want to see Martin gone, and they made their opinions clear during protests before the Hibs fixture.
While Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises seem to be in no rush to make a change at Ibrox, things can undoubtedly change in an instant in G51.
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