Celtic and Rangers have been ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup matches behind closed doors following fan disorder that occurred during last season’s quarter-final clash. The sanctions, which are expected to take effect when both clubs enter the competition this January, also include a financial penalty. Both teams must pay £100,000 to whichever opponent they are drawn against in those respective fixtures.
The disciplinary measures stem from a match at Ibrox where Celtic secured a semi-final spot after a penalty shootout victory. Following the conclusion of the game, supporters from both clubs entered the pitch, leading to the current ruling. Furthermore, the governing panel has warned that both clubs could face a second home match without spectators if there is any further instance of either side’s supporters engaging in what has been termed “unacceptable conduct” during a Scottish Cup fixture.
Celtic has responded to the ruling by expressing shock, labeling the punishment as “disproportionate” for what they described as a relatively minor incursion by their fans during a moment of celebration. In a statement, the club emphasized that while they have never defended supporters entering the field of play and have consistently taken internal action when such incidents occur, they believe the panel failed to account for the context of the situation.
The club further argued that the emotional nature of the game should have been considered and pointed out a significant distinction regarding the event: Celtic was not the home club and therefore was not responsible for the stadium’s safety arrangements during the match. Celtic officials stated they intend to review the panel’s full report and reasoning once it becomes available before deciding on any potential next steps. The report also notes that however, we understand the part emotion plays in football and would have expected the context and distinction in behaviours to have been taken into account by the panel.
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