sports
Rangers Voice Disappointment Over SPFL Ticket Row Decision Ahead of Old Firm Derby
Rangers Football Club has indicated its acceptance of the away ticket allocation for the upcoming Old Firm match, despite expressing considerable dissatisfaction with the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL). The club believes the SPFL's decision regarding the ticketing dispute, which favored Celtic, could establish a troubling precedent for future sporting events.
5/2/2026, 7:16:47 PM
Rangers have confirmed they will take up their allotted away tickets for the conclusive Old Firm derby of the current season. However, the club has openly communicated its profound disappointment with the Scottish Professional Football League's stance on the recent ticketing disagreement, according to BBC Sport. The Ibrox side views the league's backing of Celtic in this matter as potentially setting a worrying precedent for how similar issues might be handled in the future.
The dispute centered on the distribution of tickets for the highly anticipated fixture between the Glasgow rivals. Following a period of contention, the SPFL's determination has left Rangers feeling that their concerns were not adequately addressed, leading to their public statement.
The club's leadership highlighted that while they are moving forward with the arrangements for their supporters to attend the match, their reservations about the league's intervention remain significant. They argue that the outcome could influence future negotiations and arrangements concerning fan attendance at major games, potentially diminishing the away support experience.
Historically, the Old Firm encounters have been known for their vibrant atmosphere, largely fueled by a substantial presence of both home and away supporters. Recent seasons have seen changes in ticket allocations, leading to various debates among the clubs and their fan bases. This latest development adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about how these high-profile matches are managed off the pitch.
Rangers articulated that their primary concern extends beyond this specific incident, focusing on the broader implications for fairness and consistent application of rules within Scottish football. They believe that the SPFL's decision might not serve the long-term interests of all clubs or the overall health of the sport.
Despite their criticisms, the team will prepare for the upcoming clash with their rivals, ensuring their fans who wish to attend will have the opportunity to do so, utilizing the allocation provided. The focus will now shift to the on-field action, though the off-field ticketing controversy is likely to remain a talking point among supporters and commentators alike.