Rangers will accept their away allocation for the final Old Firm meeting of the season but are “deeply disappointed” that the SPFL backed Celtic in the ticket row.
The club insists the SPFL stance sets a “concerning precedent”.
Celtic’s Ticket Offer and Rangers’ Response
Celtic offered Rangers around 2,400 tickets for the 10 May Scottish Premiership fixture. The offer was conditional, stating that none of the seats would be made available to the Union Bears fans group.
Rangers said they could not agree to the terms and referred the matter to the SPFL board.
A sub-committee concluded it would “not overrule” a risk assessment carried out by Celtic, who claim the Union Bears were in part responsible for disorder following the Scottish Cup quarter-final between the two clubs at Ibrox in March, which Celtic won on penalties.
Union Bears’ Decision and Rangers’ Statement
Rangers have now confirmed the Union Bears “volunteered that they do not wish to be included within the club’s ticket allocation for this fixture”.
The club added: “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.”
Rangers say the SPFL’s stance “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”.
The Ibrox statement added: “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 8 March runs its course.”
Background to the Ticket Dispute
The cup game was the fourth meeting of the sides this season at either Celtic Park or Ibrox to feature away supporters, following a period of no away allocations.
However, the Scottish Cup tie had more away fans – 15% – because of the rules of that competition.
A Scottish FA investigation, led by sports event consultant Mark Blackbourne, has yet to report to the governing body on the cup tie.
The Ibrox club stressed they had “been clear in condemning the actions of certain individuals on 8 March” and had been “attempting to work with Celtic to mitigate any security concerns for the upcoming match”.
Celtic’s Perspective
Celtic had demanded the exclusion of a section of the Rangers support they say “identifiably engaged in serious violence and disorder”.
The club expressed “surprise and disappointment” that Rangers had not agreed to the request and that they were happy to hold discussions with their rivals and the league body.
The defending champions added their “priority will always be the safety of those attending Celtic Park and, following a detailed risk assessment with regards to the forthcoming match, the club has made a reasonable request of Rangers FC that tickets are not distributed to a sect