Calls for Rangers and Celtic to be banned from next season’s Scottish Cup have been dismissed as “nonsense” following the disorder that erupted after the latest Old Firm clash at Ibrox.
The heated Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers F.C. and Celtic F.C. ended in dramatic fashion, with Celtic advancing after a 4–2 penalty shootout victory. However, the match was overshadowed by ugly scenes that unfolded after the final whistle, including a pitch invasion and fan disturbances.
Police Scotland confirmed that several arrests were made following the incident at Ibrox Stadium, as supporters from both clubs became involved in confrontations inside the stadium.
Authorities also launched investigations after reports emerged that some Celtic supporters entered the ground without tickets and left graffiti, including references to the 1971 Ibrox disaster, a tragedy that claimed 66 lives.
Debate Over Possible Sanctions
The disorder has sparked debate over what punishment should follow, with some commentators suggesting both clubs should be excluded from the Scottish Cup next season.
However, columnist Hugh Keevins strongly rejected that idea, arguing that banning Scotland’s two biggest clubs from the competition would be excessive and ineffective.
Instead, Keevins believes the most practical solution is to remove away supporters from Old Firm fixtures altogether.
«“Talk of banning Rangers and Celtic from the Scottish Cup next season is nonsense,” he wrote. “Trouble demands a deterrent that is lasting.”»
He suggested that the only way to significantly reduce the risk of confrontation would be excluding away fans from matches held at Celtic Park and Ibrox.
Ticket Allocation Under Scrutiny
For the first time since 2018, Celtic supporters were granted the full 7,500-seat allocation in the Broomloan Road Stand at Ibrox.
Ticket allocations between the two clubs have varied in recent years—from zero to around 2,500—due to tensions over safety and logistics. Under rules set by the Scottish Football Association, away teams in cup competitions can claim up to 20 percent of tickets, which led to the larger Celtic presence for the quarter-final.
Police officials have suggested the larger allocation may have contributed to the scale of the disturbances.
Pressure Mounts on Rangers Manager
The result and subsequent chaos also added pressure on Rangers manager Danny Röhl, whose side has endured a difficult spell against their fierce rivals.
Rangers had already drawn criticism after surrendering a two-goal lead in a league meeting with Celtic earlier in March, before suffering the cup defeat a week later.
Despite initially closing a 13-point gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership, Rangers have slipped back in the title race after a series of damaging results.
Röhl’s team returned to league action with a crucial trip to St. Mirren F.C., knowing that failure to win could effectively end their championship hopes. A victory, however, would keep them within striking distance and ensure the title battle remains alive.
What Happens Next?
With investigations ongoing and pressure mounting on authorities to respond, the fallout from the latest Old Firm clash is far from over.
Whether the solution involves tighter security, reduced away allocations, or a temporary ban on travelling fans, Scottish football officials now face the challenge of preventing further flashpoints in one of the sport’s most intense rivalries.