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Celtic FC and Rangers have both been ordered to play their next Scottish Cup home matches behind closed doors after the disorder that followed their quarter-final at Ibrox in March. The Scottish FA has also imposed a £100,000 payment for each club to compensate the visiting team. The sanctions stem from a pitch invasion and clashes between supporters after Celtic’s penalty-shootout victory. A further stadium closure will be triggered by any repeat trouble at the competition through 2027/28, the federation said.

Celtic Rangers Scottish Cup Stadium Ban: What Happened At Ibrox?

The disciplinary action comes after an Old Firm quarter-final that finished 0-0 after extra time before Celtic won 4-2 on penalties. Celebrations quickly turned chaotic as supporters from both sides entered the playing area.

Celtic supporters moved onto the pitch after the decisive penalty, while sections of the Rangers support also came down from the stands. Fireworks were exchanged as tensions escalated, creating serious safety concerns at the venue.

The subsequent independent review found that potentially “crushing” and life-threatening violence had narrowly been avoided. Questions were raised over police and security arrangements as well.

The scale of the incident is reflected by the number of arrests, with 43 people having been detained in connection with the Old Firm disorder.

As per the latest update from the Scottish FA, both clubs face a Celtic Rangers Scottish Cup stadium ban for their next home tie. Each side must also pay £100,000 to the opponents who visit for that fixture.

Celtic FC Response To Scottish FA Punishment

The Celtic FC response to Scottish FA sanctions has been strongly critical. The club described the punishment as disproportionate and claimed that the incident involving its supporters was relatively limited and occurred during emotional celebrations.

Celtic F.C. also argued that Rangers were the home team when the disorder occurred, meaning Celtic were not responsible for the stadium’s safety and security arrangements that night.

The decision nevertheless applies to both Glasgow clubs, meaning a Celtic Rangers behind closed doors match will become a reality when either team next hosts a Scottish Cup tie.

If further trouble occurs at a Scottish Cup fixture before the end of the 2027/28 season, another home match will be ordered behind closed doors.