Celtic & Rangers to play Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors after fan disorder

Following last season's Scottish Cup quarter-final between Celtic and Rangers, the football authorities have imposed severe sanctions. Both teams will be compelled to host their subsequent Scottish Cup matches without spectators due to fan misconduct, which resulted in fireworks being thrown, injuries to police officers, and numerous arrests.

Additionally, they must pay £100,000 to the opposing team. If there is further unacceptable conduct during a Scottish Cup fixture, a second home match may also be held without fans. Celtic and Rangers have been given the option to provide tickets for the Scottish League Cup quarter-final, but Celtic vehemently contests the punishment, arguing that it is disproportionate for a minor incident of fan behavior.

They assert that the context and differing behaviors should have been considered by the panel. Rangers also expressed their intention to review the Scottish FA tribunal's decision before determining any further steps. The sanctions against the clubs reflect a new, more stringent approach to dealing with crowd disorder, which the Scottish FA and Scottish Professional Football League have acknowledged as a growing issue.