Misryoum reports the SPFL ruled in Celtic’s favour, blocking Rangers’ Union Bears from next weekend’s Old Firm at Celtic Park.
An Old Firm ticket dispute has turned into a decisive SPFL call, with Celtic’s conditions set to be upheld for next weekend’s derby at Celtic Park.
Misryoum understands the decision means Rangers’ Union Bears ultras will not be permitted to attend the pivotal match, following an extended process after disagreements over how away tickets should be allocated.
Celtic had insisted the 2. 200 away tickets for Rangers could only be made available on the condition that they were not sold to the Union Bears.. That stance was linked to the aftermath of the Scottish Cup semi-final at Ibrox in March. when serious disorder broke out following the penalty shootout result. drawing widespread condemnation.
The issue was then referred to the SPFL, where an independent sub-committee considered the evidence after hearing the case across the week.
In the ruling, the SPFL did not replace Celtic’s judgment with an alternative approach, citing safety and security factors and the need to avoid interfering with the risk assessment carried out by the party responsible for safeguarding match arrangements.
This matters because it sets the tone for how Scottish football’s big rivalries will handle crowd management decisions in the immediate aftermath of incidents, with club-level security assessments now taking centre stage.
For Rangers. the outcome creates a fork in the road: either accept Celtic’s terms for the away allocation or decline the allocation entirely.. If Rangers choose not to take up the tickets under the agreed conditions. Misryoum reports the contingency would leave that section unused rather than reallocated to Rangers supporters.
While the SPFL declined to overrule the decision, the governing body pointed to concerns about timing and evidence review, noting that its consultation period had not allowed for the kind of forensic analysis it considers necessary when disputes are raised close to match day.
At the same time, both clubs are facing a wider question of how the derby atmosphere will be shaped in the coming season, with security, eligibility, and compliance likely to remain central themes. Misryoum will continue to monitor any developments around the Old Firm fixture.
The key takeaway from Misryoum’s perspective is that even when appeals are not available, this kind of ruling can still reshape matchday plans and signals a tougher approach to safety-driven restrictions in high-profile fixtures.