Rangers’ attempt to challenge Celtic’s conditions over away tickets has fallen short, leaving the situation largely unchanged ahead of next weekend’s Old Firm clash at Celtic Park.
The issue began when Celtic made it clear that members of the Union Bears would need to be excluded from the travelling support. Rangers initially pushed back on that demand, taking the matter to the SPFL in the hope of overturning it.
But the league’s sub-committee chose not to step in.
Instead, they backed the principle that the home club has responsibility for safety and security on matchday — meaning Celtic’s stance remains in place.
The usual allocation, believed to be around 2,500 tickets, is still available. However, it comes with that condition attached.
In response, the Union Bears have urged Rangers to accept the terms, making it clear they want a full away support inside Celtic Park, even if it means stepping aside themselves.
In a statement, the group said: “The Union Bears strongly condemn the decision to ban the group from the upcoming Old Firm fixture.
“We believe this decision represents a direct attack on fan culture and sets a dangerous precedent, not only at Rangers, but across Scottish football as a whole.
“Following this ruling, we have been in dialogue with Rangers and have urged the club to accept the conditions required to ensure a full allocation, as it is essential that a fully unified Rangers support is present at the fixture.
“Now more than ever, it is vital that the Rangers support stands united.
“Yesterday’s decision reflects a fear from clubs and authorities, a fear of the positive impact of the Rangers support.
“We must ensure that unwavering backing for the team from the stands continues.”
Celtic’s position stems from the disorder that followed their recent Scottish Cup win at Ibrox. After the final whistle, more than 100 Rangers supporters — many from the section associated with the Union Bears — moved toward the Broomloan Stand after Celtic fans entered the pitch to celebrate.
The incident led to several arrests, including one relating to an alleged assault on a Celtic member of staff and a player.
With an independent review into those events still ongoing, the SPFL made it clear they would not override Celtic’s risk assessment.
So, with the league stepping back and both sides holding firm on principle, the focus now shifts to whether Rangers fully accept the conditions — and what the away end will actually look like on the day.