Rangers have performed a U-turn over their Celtic Park ticket stance, confirming they will now accept their allocation — but warning that Celtic’s conditions have set what they describe as a “concerning precedent”.
The Ibrox side had initially rejected the terms attached to their away allocation for the May 10 William Hill Premiership clash, understood to be around 2,500 tickets, and lodged a complaint with the Scottish Professional Football League.
However, after an SPFL sub-committee decided not to intervene in Celtic’s safety and security measures, Rangers changed position and confirmed they will take up the tickets after all.
In a statement, the club said: “We are deeply disappointed with the SPFL’s decision to accept the ultimatum placed upon our ticket allocation for the game on 10 May.
“It sets a concerning precedent with potentially lasting consequences for the league and match-going fans, cutting across the spirit of the competition and disregarding the established agreement on away allocations between clubs.
“In light of the SPFL’s decision, the Union Bears have volunteered that they do not wish to be included within the club’s ticket allocation for this fixture.”
The background to the dispute stems from the fallout after March’s Scottish Cup meeting at Ibrox, when post-match scenes turned ugly. More than 100 Rangers supporters, many linked to the Union Bears section, ran towards the Broomloan Stand after Celtic fans entered the pitch to celebrate. The incident led to arrests, including one for an alleged assault on a Celtic member of staff and a player.
Rangers added that they will continue to defend the club’s position while wider investigations continue.
“Our club, our supporters and the reputation of Rangers will continue to be defended robustly while the Scottish FA’s independent process regarding the events on 8 March runs its course.
“This is a defining match at a crucial stage of the season, and it is important that Rangers supporters are present to back their team. We will therefore take up the allocation available to us.
“Our focus now turns to the matches ahead, on the field and off it, working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure they are delivered safely, fairly and professionally.”
The Union Bears had earlier urged Rangers to accept the allocation despite the restrictions.
In a statement posted on X, they 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.”
An SPFL sub-committee, meanwhile, noted that responsibility for safety and security rests with the home club and pointed out that the independent review into the March incidents has still not been completed. On that basis, it concluded it would not step in to overturn Celtic’s measures.