Celtic and Rangers have both been ordered to stage their next home matches in the Scottish Cup without supporters following the serious crowd disorder that overshadowed last season’s quarter-final between the Glasgow rivals.
Each club must also pay £100,000 to the visiting team affected by the stadium closure, compensating the opposition for lost ticket revenue. The payment will be due within 30 days of the match, while both Celtic and Rangers retain the right to appeal the sanctions.
A further closed-door Scottish Cup fixture has been imposed on each club on a suspended basis. That additional punishment could be activated if their supporters are involved in another case of unacceptable conduct during the competition.
The sanctions stem from Celtic’s Scottish Cup quarter-final victory at Ibrox on 8 March 2026. Celtic advanced 4-2 on penalties after a goalless match, but celebrations quickly developed into serious disorder when supporters entered the playing area and Rangers fans responded from the opposite end of the stadium. Police and stewards were forced to intervene as missiles and pyrotechnics were thrown between groups.
Police have made at least 37 arrests in connection with the disturbances. Officers, supporters and football staff were among those assaulted, while a child was struck by a coin during the unrest.
Both clubs were subsequently charged under Scottish FA disciplinary Rule 37, which requires teams to take reasonable steps to maintain security, prevent unacceptable conduct and deal appropriately with supporters responsible for such behaviour. Celtic’s disciplinary hearing was scheduled for 13 August, with Rangers also facing proceedings relating to the same fixture.
The Scottish FA also commissioned an independent review led by experienced sports event consultant Mark Blackbourne. Published in July, the investigation examined planning, policing, stewarding and matchday safety surrounding the quarter-final and identified significant weaknesses involving several organisations.
The review concluded that the disorder came dangerously close to developing into a much larger violent confrontation and found that serious injuries could have occurred during the period in which control of the pitch was lost. It also called for stronger measures against major crowd disturbances after concluding that previous approaches had not provided a sufficient deterrent.
The punishment represents a significant escalation from the fines and reduced ticket allocations commonly used in Scottish football. Celtic and Rangers are expected to enter the 2026-27 Scottish Cup in the fourth round in January, meaning the stadium closures will take effect the next time either club is drawn at home in the competition.