Off the PitchDaily Mail FootballUnverified source· 28 Aug 2026
SFA orders Old Firm clubs to play cup ties behind closed doors
Violence at the Old Firm derby in March has led to unprecedented stadium closures for both Rangers and Celtic.
Rangers
team
Punishment
Next Scottish Cup home ties behind closed doors
Fine
£100,000 each to opponents
Incident
Pitch invasions, flares, missiles, assaults
Arrests
37 so far
What happened. The SFA ordered Rangers and Celtic to play their next Scottish Cup home ties behind closed doors and pay £100,000 each as punishment for the violent scenes in the March Old Firm derby.
- A ten-year-old child was struck by a coin during the disorder.
- The independent review by Mark Blackbourne found 'life-threatening violence' was possible.
- Celtic called the punishment 'shocking' and 'disproportionate'.
“We are shocked by this disproportionate punishment for a relatively small incursion by Celtic supporters at a moment of emotion and celebration.”
— Celtic club statement
The SFA's strict liability stance marks a shift, but Celtic's backlash suggests a potential appeal.
Read the full story at Daily Mail Football →
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