Celtic and Rangers appeal behind-closed-doors ban after Old Firm pitch trouble

Celtic and Rangers have formally appealed against Scottish Football Association sanctions that would require each club to host their next Scottish Cup home match without supporters, with tribunal hearings set for Monday, 26 October.

The punishments stem from post-match crowd trouble following the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox on 8 March, in which supporters invaded the pitch and clashes led to dozens of arrests. The SFA launched an investigation in the aftermath and issued identical notices of complaint to both clubs in July.

Both Celtic and Rangers subsequently admitted to breaching Disciplinary Rule 37, which centres on “unacceptable conduct”. Last month, on 28 August, the SFA ordered each club to play their next home Scottish Cup fixture behind closed doors and to pay a compensatory fee of £100,000 to the away side to cover lost gate receipts.

Celtic responded to the ruling by saying they were “shocked by this disproportionate punishment for a relatively small incursion by Celtic supporters at a moment of emotion and celebration”, adding that they would “consider our next steps.” Rangers said they would “consider the outcome in full, including its implications, before determining any further steps.”

The SFA’s website has since confirmed that appellate tribunal hearings for both clubs will be held on 26 October, indicating that neither side was willing to accept the sanctions as handed down. The outcome of those hearings will determine whether the behind-closed-doors orders and the six-figure financial penalties stand.