Sport · Singapore Bureau
Celtic, Rangers face stadium closures over fan violence at Scottish Cup
Scottish football's fiercest rivals Celtic and Rangers have been ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup matches without spectators following violent clashes between supporters. The sanctions stem from disorder that erupted at Ibrox during this year's quarter-final encounter between the Glasgow clubs.
LSN Singapore ·
Celtic and Rangers, known as the 'Old Firm' due to their intense rivalry, must conduct their upcoming home Scottish Cup fixtures behind closed doors as punishment for fan misconduct. The decision follows violent incidents that marred the quarter-final match held at Ibrox Stadium earlier this season.
Both clubs have been subjected to the stadium closure order by Scottish football authorities in response to the disorder between their respective supporters. The measure represents a significant sanction in Scottish football, effectively removing the home advantage of a roaring crowd during crucial cup matches.
The clash between Celtic and Rangers represents one of football's oldest and most heated rivalries, with fixtures between the Glasgow clubs historically attracting large crowds and intense passion from fans. However, the violence that occurred during the quarter-final has prompted authorities to take stringent action to prevent further incidents.
The closed-door requirement applies specifically to each club's next home Scottish Cup matches, forcing both teams to compete without their supporters present. Such sanctions are designed to enforce discipline and discourage fan violence in Scottish football.