SPFL tells Rangers they should get 5% of Old Firm tickets in 2026

The SPFL has informed Rangers that they should receive a reasonable allocation of 5% of seats at the Old Firm derby.

SPFL Declines to Mandate Celtic to Provide Away Tickets The Scottish Premiership's organisers, the SPFL, have not mandated Celtic to provide away tickets to Rangers for this month's final Old Firm derby of the season. The SPFL stated that the visitors should receive a 'reasonable allocation' of 5% (2,400) of seats. Rangers had asked the SPFL to intervene after Celtic declined to give away fans any tickets for the 10 May match unless the Union Bears group was excluded. The SPFL said, 'it would not overrule a risk assessment carried out by the party (Celtic) legally responsible for the safety and security of the event'. ## Rangers and Celtic Fail to Reach an Agreement Rangers had asked the SPFL to intervene after Celtic declined to give away fans any tickets for the 10 May match unless the Union Bears group was excluded. The SPFL said that they would not overrule a risk assessment carried out by Celtic. Resolving the matter would now appear to be up to the clubs themselves. ## The Aftermath of Disorder at the Scottish Cup Quarter-final The dispute comes in the aftermath of disorder at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between the sides at Ibrox on 8 March, when spectators from home and away sections entered the pitch after Celtic won on penalties. This was the fourth meeting of the sides this season at either Celtic Park or Ibrox to feature away supporters, following a period of no away allocations. However, the Scottish Cup tie had more away fans - 15% - because of the rules of that competition. ## A Scottish FA Investigation A Scottish FA investigation, led by sports event consultant Mark Blackbourne, has yet to report to the governing body on the cup tie. Rangers stressed they had 'been clear in condemning the actions of certain individuals on 8 March' and had been 'attempting to work with Celtic to mitigate any security concerns for the upcoming match'. ## Celtic's Demands and Rangers' Reactions Celtic had demanded the exclusion of a section of the Rangers support they say 'identifiably engaged in serious violence and disorder'. The club expressed 'surprise and disappointment' that Rangers had not agreed to the request and that they were happy to hold discussions with their rivals and the league body. Rangers added that, for the forthcoming match that will help decide who wins a three-pronged title race involving leaders Hearts and the two Old Firm sides, 'the removal of away supporters from one of the defining fixtures of the competition would introduce a clear and material sporting imbalance'. ## The SPFL's Statement In the SPFL's statement on Friday afternoon, the league body explained a hearing had taken place the day before 'in front of an independent SPFL board sub-committee during which both clubs presented evidence and legal arguments'. The SPFL said, 'it was extremely regrettable that the two clubs had been unable to reach an agreement between themselves'. A reciprocal agreement is in place between the two clubs which provides that each club should allocate around 5% of their stadium to the away club. ## Rangers' Head Coach Danny Rohl's Comments Rangers head coach Danny Rohl was asked about the ticket dispute at his Friday morning media conference. Rohl believes there should be supporters from both sides at every game of football and all he can do is 'cross my fingers and hope'.