Rangers and Celtic away fan Old Firm ban branded 'really embarrassing' as return prediction made
It was announced this week that there will be no away supporters in attendance for Scottish Premiership or Premier Sports Cup Old Firm matches in the 2026/27 season.
Rangers play host to their fierce rivals on 13 September in the Premier Sports Cup, before visiting Celtic Park a week later.
Initially, there had been agreements in place for five per cent ticket allocations for away supporters this season.
However, there was a review held following clashes between supporters on the pitch at Ibrox following a Scottish Cup clash in March.
Consequently, the SPFL took the decision to put a full ban on away supporters in place.
What have the SPFL said about the away fan Old Firm ban?
Rangers had offered Celtic around 300 away tickets following a risk assessment, which was rejected by the Bhoys.
Discussions between Rangers, Celtic, and all the relevant authorities failed to see an agreement reached.
Allocations for away games had fluctuated between around zero and 800 since 2018, until the five per cent agreement was reached for 2025 and 2026.
However, following the trouble in March there was a rethink, and the SPFL said the decision has been taken to given fans clarity and allow more time to find a long-term solution.
An SPLF statement read: "This temporary arrangement will allow both clubs, together with the SPFL, Police Scotland and other relevant stakeholders, to give proper consideration to the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review, take forward the necessary actions and ensure sufficient time is available to plan future fixtures thoroughly.
"It will also provide greater certainty for supporters and those involved in matchday planning, while avoiding repeated uncertainty around ticketing arrangements for individual fixtures."
Mark Guidi reacts to Old Firm news
Unsurprisingly, the news has drawn a lot of attention.
The issue has been raging on now for the best part of a decade, and it looks as though there will not be a solution now for sometime.
Journalist Mark Guidi was asked about the decision on the Go Football Radio Show on Friday.
And Guidi predicted that away supporters may never be allowed to return for Old Firm clashes taking place outside of Hampden Park.
He said: "I think it’s very embarrassing for Scottish football when our biggest game of the season you can’t have away supporters.
"So everybody needs to take a look at themselves involved with Scottish football. The police needs to take a look at itself, stewarding needs to take a look at itself, it’s not a good look at all.
"However, at this moment in time I totally back the decision. I know the SPFL statement has come out and said it’s a time for reflection and for everybody to go away and work on it to see what they can do for the 2027/28 season.
"But I don’t think it’s coming back, I think it’s set in stone. Unless it’s a major semi-final or final at Hampden I don’t think you’re going to see Celtic fans at Ibrox or Rangers fans at Celtic Park for many, many years to come."