Police warning forces Celtic to curb celebrations at Ibrox
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said Police Scotland have warned his squad to keep celebrations to a minimum ahead of tomorrow’s Premier Sports Cup quarter‑final at Ibrox against Rangers. The advisory follows a ticket row and sanctions stemming from last season’s violent Scottish Cup tie.
The Old Firm clash will be the first meeting of the season, and a ticket dispute means no away supporters will be allowed at any derby for the rest of the campaign. Both clubs will therefore play in empty stands, removing the usual travelling fan atmosphere.
Last season’s violence still looms
The warning follows a bitter fallout from last season’s Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox, which descended into violence and disorder. A Scottish Football Association‑commissioned review described the mass pitch invasion, clashes between rival fans and assaults on police and stewards, as having potentially catastrophic consequences. The incident prompted calls for stricter control of future encounters.
Crowd anxiety could be a weapon
The governing body has ordered both clubs to stage their next home Scottish Cup matches behind closed doors. In addition, each side must pay £100,000 to the opponent as compensation for lost ticket revenue.
The story was filed by CALUM CROWE, SCOTTISH DEPUTY CHIEF SPORTS WRITER, on 11 September 2026. O’Neill said a brief 15‑minute meeting with Police Scotland served as a timely reminder of expected conduct. “It is a good thing,” he added, welcoming the police intervention.
When asked whether the Ibrox crowd could be unsettled, O’Neill suggested that taking the lead might make Rangers supporters nervous. He recalled a recent league game where a section of the Rangers crowd turned on their own players during a 1‑0 win over St Mirren, prompting manager Derek McInnes to plead for calm. “If you get in front, that makes them anxious,” he explained.
Goalkeeper selection remains undecided. O’Neill has yet to choose between England international Sam Johnstone, on loan from Wolves and who debuted in a 1‑0 Premiership win over St Johnstone, and Viljami Sinisalo, the season’s initial No 1.
O’Neill admitted he feels “nervously excited” about the match without away fans, believing the lack of travelling supporters will reduce the risk of further incidents. He concluded that disciplined behaviour on and off the pitch is essential for both clubs.