Rangers have criticised the SPFL’s handling of the Old Firm ticket fiasco — insisting they have been left ‘deeply disappointed’ with the league’s decision to rule in Celtic’s favour.
But the Ibrox club confirmed they will accept their allocation of around 2,200 tickets for next weekend’s clash at Parkhead, with the Union Bears banned as per the stipulations laid out by Celtic.
Rangers had asked the SPFL to step in and make a ruling after Celtic had made clear they would only make the allocation available if no tickets were sold to the Union Bears ultras group.
The dispute goes back to the shameful scenes of violence and disorder witnessed at the end of the Scottish Cup clash between the teams at Ibrox back in March.
Despite it being highly unusual for any club to dictate who can or cannot buy tickets, Celtic claim the move was based around safety concerns.
The whole saga has been thoroughly unedifying on all fronts, with Rangers claiming that the SPFL’s decision now sets a ‘concerning precedent’.
Rangers fans WILL be present at the final Old Firm derby of the season at Celtic Park
An SPFL sub-committee heard the case on Thursday, with Rangers determined to fight their corner ahead of the final derby of the season.
But the league’s governing body refused to overrule Celtic. In a club statement released yesterday, Rangers made it clear they view the decision as wholly unsatisfactory.
The statement read: ‘We are deeply disappointed with the SPFL’s decision to accept the ultimatum placed upon our ticket allocation for the game on May 10.
‘It sets a concerning precedent with potentially lasting consequences for the league and match-going fans, cutting across the spirit of the competition and disregarding the established agreement on away allocations between clubs.
‘In light of the SPFL’s decision, the Union Bears have volunteered that they do not wish to be included within the club’s ticket allocation for this fixture.
‘Our club, our supporters and the reputation of Rangers will continue to be defended robustly while the Scottish FA’s independent process regarding the events on March 8 runs its course.
‘This is a defining match at a crucial stage of the season, and it is important that Rangers supporters are present to back their team. We will therefore take up the allocation available to us.
‘Our focus now turns to the matches ahead, on the field and off it, working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure they are delivered safely, fairly and professionally.’
At the end of the game in March, Celtic supporters invaded the Ibrox pitch after their team had won via a penalty shootout, with the Union Bears then charging on to the pitch to retaliate.
Celtic fans also vandalised the Broomloan Stand and sprayed vile graffiti which mocked the Ibrox stadium disaster.
That was the first time since 2018 that an Old Firm derby had seen a return to a full allocation of just over 7,500 away supporters. But Police Scotland were not equipped with the necessary boots on the ground to repel the violence from both sides at full-time.
The stand-off between the clubs came after the ugly scenes at the Scottish Cup tie in March
The Union Bears believe the decision from the SPFL not to overrule Celtic sets a dangerous precedent and is a ‘direct attack on fan culture’.
A statement from the fan group said: ‘The Union Bears strongly condemn the decision to ban the group from the upcoming Old Firm fixture.
‘We believe this decision represents a direct attack on fan culture and sets a dangerous precedent, not only at Rangers, but across Scottish football as a whole.
‘Following this ruling, we have been in dialogue with Rangers and have urged the club to accept the conditions required to ensure a full allocation, as it is essential that a fully unified Rangers support is present at the fixture.
‘Now more than ever, it is is vital that the Rangers support stands united. Yesterday’s decision reflects a fear from clubs and authorities, a fear of the positive impact of the Rangers support.
‘We must ensure that unwavering backing for the team from the stands continues.’
