The latest Old Firm clash between Celtic and Rangers is set to take place against an unusual backdrop, with away supporters banned from attending the fixture. Rangers will host Celtic at Ibrox on September 13, 2026, in a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final, but the stadium will not have the traditional presence of travelling fans from the visiting side.
The decision follows ongoing concerns over safety and security at Old Firm fixtures. The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) confirmed that there will be no away supporters at Old Firm matches in SPFL competitions for the remainder of the 2026/27 season. The decision came after an independent review and discussions involving the clubs and relevant safety authorities.
The issue became particularly important following events surrounding the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox on March 8. Rangers subsequently proposed a significantly reduced allocation of just 300 tickets for Celtic supporters for the September meeting. Celtic did not accept the proposal and asked the SPFL to determine the arrangements. Following discussions, the league and clubs agreed that away supporters would not be permitted at the Old Firm fixtures covered by the new arrangement.
The absence of away supporters is expected to change the atmosphere considerably. Old Firm matches are famous for their intense atmosphere, with supporters of both clubs creating a highly charged environment inside the stadium. The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is one of the most historic and passionate in British football, making the presence of both sets of supporters an important part of the occasion.
Former Rangers manager and football pundit Graeme Souness has also criticised the decision, arguing that removing away supporters takes something away from the spectacle of the fixture.
Despite the controversy surrounding the supporter arrangements, the match itself remains hugely important. Rangers will be looking to use home advantage to progress to the next stage of the Premier Sports Cup, while Celtic will aim to secure a statement victory away from home. Both clubs will understand the importance of winning a major domestic fixture against their biggest rivals.
The clubs are also scheduled to meet again in the Scottish Premiership on September 20, meaning the September fixtures could have a significant impact on the early season rivalry.
For now, the focus will be on the players and what happens on the pitch. While the decision to exclude away supporters has generated considerable debate, Rangers and Celtic must put the controversy aside when the whistle blows at Ibrox.
The Old Firm rivalry remains one of football’s biggest spectacles, and even without travelling supporters, Sunday’s encounter promises to attract enormous attention across Scotland and beyond.
