SPFL faces fierce scrutiny after controversial decision appears to hand Celtic decisive title advantage over Rangers

Rangers have been left seething after the SPFL declined to intervene in the escalating Old Firm ticket dispute, a call that many at Ibrox believe could have a decisive bearing on the destination of the Premiership title.

At the heart of the row is Celtic’s insistence that Rangers exclude the Union Bears ultras if they are to receive their standard away allocation for the meeting on May 10. Rangers dismissed that demand without hesitation, triggering a stalemate between the clubs at a critical juncture of the season.

Celtic’s stance follows the disorder that marred the recent Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox. In the aftermath of the final whistle, scenes turned chaotic as home supporters made their way onto the pitch in celebration. That prompted a reaction from sections of the Rangers support — including individuals associated with the Union Bears — who moved toward the Broomloan Stand. Several arrests followed, including one tied to an alleged assault involving a Celtic staff member and a player.

Citing those events, Celtic have argued that tighter controls are necessary before accommodating away fans once more at Celtic Park.

Previously, both sides had settled on an uneasy compromise, allocating around five per cent of tickets — approximately 2,500 seats — to visiting supporters after years of disagreement that had, at one stage, removed away fans entirely.

Rangers sought clarity from the SPFL, urging the governing body to uphold that arrangement. Instead, the league’s sub-committee chose not to interfere.

The SPFL described the situation as “extremely regrettable” but emphasised that safety responsibilities rest with the home club. With an independent SFA review ongoing, it declined to override Celtic’s assessment.

“The sub-committee then determined that, based on the evidence presented, it would not overrule a risk assessment carried out by the party legally responsible for the safety and security of the event, or interfere with the mitigation measures it considered to be necessary.

“Having reached that conclusion, the sub-committee confirmed that five per cent of the stadium was a reasonable allocation.”

That allocation remains conditional, leaving Rangers supporters locked out unless terms are met — a development that has only heightened tensions ahead of a pivotal derby.