Celtic vs Rangers: Union Bears banned from Old Firm due to ‘threat of violence’ after SPFL ruling
Celtic have been favoured by the SPFL in their decision to ban some Rangers fans from the Old Firm derby at Parkhead.
Officials have sided with the Hoops and determined that the G40 club are responsible for the safety of supporters as the two Glaswegian outfits face each other on 10 May, effectively banning the Union Bears from the game.
Ex-referee Keith Hackett believes the SPFL will surely have made this decision after carefully deliberating with all parties responsible for the safety of fans.
The former FIFA official feels that if there’s any prospect of violence at the Old Firm derby, then authorities will have seen upholding public safety as a priority.
Danny Rohl wants to see travelling supporters at Celtic Park, and while the SPFL do believe a five per cent share of away-seat allocation is fair, the two clubs will likely have to agree on who gets the tickets.
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Rangers have no other option vs Celtic
Speaking to Ibrox News, Hackett said, “The decision will have been made after lengthy discussion with the Police, Ground Security, Scottish Government and the Scottish FA. If there’s a threat of violence or game disruption, then people close to the coal face on this will have come to a decision on grounds of public safety.”
It wouldn’t make sense for the Gers to continue taking up the issue of ticket allocations against Celtic with the game just around the corner.
If the Hoops want the members of the Union Bears excluded from the Old Firm derby, then the Light Blues will just have to swallow that bitter pill.
| Competiton | Date | Result |
| William Hill Premiership | 31/08/2025 | 0-0 |
| William Hill Premiership | 01/03/2026 | 2-2 |
| Scottish Gas Scottish Cup | 08/03/2026 | Celtic win on penalties |
The two Glaswegian outfits are still in the title race and the fixture at Parkhead could potentially be monumental in who wins the William Hill Premiership this season.
With the SPFL effectively letting Celtic decide who gets to attend the match, the Govan side may have no choice but to comply to secure some support in G40 on the day.
Danny Rohl has season-defining spell away from Ibrox
Rangers play back-to-back away matches against Hearts and Celtic, and anything but wins for Rohl’s team may end their title hopes.
The Gers’ 3-2 loss to Motherwell at Ibrox left them four points adrift of the top of the table with four games to go.
Fans in G51 know that losing to Hearts or Celtic will surely mean another trophyless season for the Govan side.
Rohl has come under pressure of late from supporters who feel he’s getting things wrong in the big moments, but winning number 56 will certainly quell all doubts at Ibrox.
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