Celtic informed Rangers that no tickets would be provided for the fixture unless the Ibrox club agreed to exclude the Union Bears supporters group. Rangers rejected these terms and referred the dispute to the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) board. The club argued the move creates a material sporting imbalance during the Premiership title race.
Celtic cited safety concerns following disorder at the Scottish Cup quarter-final in March. During that match, fans from both sides invaded the pitch at Ibrox after Celtic won a penalty shoot-out. Celtic staff members were reportedly assaulted and police officers sustained injuries during the violence.
Rangers currently sit second in the table with 69 points, trailing leaders Hearts by one point and leading third-placed Celtic by two. The Ibrox hierarchy believes individual accountability should take precedence over group bans. Celtic expressed disappointment that their request was refused, stating that a detailed risk assessment necessitated the condition, per the Glasgow Times and STV News.
