Celtic and Rangers have been ordered by the Scottish FA to play their next home Scottish Cup matches behind closed doors due to fan disorder during their quarter-final tie last season at Ibrox in March 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The disorder involved supporters spilling onto the pitch and throwing flares after Celtic won 4-2 on penalties, sparking safety concerns [1, 2, 3].
Both clubs must also pay £100,000 in compensation to their next visiting cup opponents, as part of the punishment [1, 2, 3]. The Scottish FA warned that if further unacceptable conduct occurs by supporters of either club at a Scottish Cup fixture before the end of the 2027-28 season, a second home match will be played behind closed doors [1, 2, 3].
The quarter-final match saw Celtic allocated 7,500 tickets for away fans, the first such allocation in eight years, but fan disorder marred the game after Celtic’s penalty shootout win [2, 3].
Celtic issued a statement expressing shock at what it called a “disproportionate punishment for a relatively small incursion by Celtic supporters at a moment of emotion and celebration.” The club emphasized it never defended supporters entering the field of play and had taken action when it occurred but felt the panel did not adequately consider the context of celebrations [2, 3].
An independent review found failings on both sides and criticized the Scottish FA for not being tough enough on tackling unrest at matches [2, 3].
Both Celtic and Rangers are due to enter the current Scottish Cup competition at the fourth round stage in January 2027 [2, 3]. Recent results have been disappointing; Celtic lost a 4-0 aggregate lead to Austria’s LASK in August, missing out on Champions League group stage and dropping to the Europa League. Rangers were eliminated from European competition after losing their Conference League playoff on penalties against Jablonec [2, 3].
