Rangers and Celtic are expected to learn the SPFL’s decision on away tickets for next month’s Old Firm clash before the end of the week.
The issue escalated on Friday when it emerged Celtic were holding back the usual 2,200-ticket allocation. The move follows the chaotic scenes at Ibrox in March, when the sides met in a Scottish Cup tie that went to penalties.
After the final whistle, members of the Union Bears ran onto the pitch toward the away section in the Broomloan Stand, leading to clashes with stewards and police. It was also alleged that a Celtic staff member was assaulted during the incident.
Celtic’s position is clear. They asked Rangers not to distribute tickets to that ultras group, a condition the Ibrox club rejected. As a result, no tickets have been released at all.
Rangers have since taken the matter to the SPFL board, where an independent sub-committee will now decide whether away fans should be allowed in for the match on Sunday, May 10. A final ruling is expected in the coming days.
The timing could complicate things. By the time a decision is reached, there will be little more than a week to organise ticketing and matchday logistics—especially if the verdict goes in Rangers’ favour, with Celtic currently preparing for a home-only crowd.
From Rangers’ perspective, the argument is about competitive balance. With the title race still tight, they believe a fixture of this scale should include both sets of supporters.
And the stakes couldn’t be higher. Hearts currently lead the way after coming from behind to beat Hibernian, moving three points clear of Celtic and four ahead of Rangers. They now host Rangers at Tynecastle next Monday—a result that could shape the title race before attention turns back to Glasgow.