Old Firm Away Fans Under Threat After Ibrox Chaos as Martin O’Neill Speaks Out on Rangers Allocation
The fierce rivalry between Celtic and Rangers has always been fueled by passion, noise, and the unforgettable atmosphere created when large groups of away supporters fill the stadium.
However, that tradition is now facing serious uncertainty following troubling scenes during the recent clash at Ibrox Stadium on March 8, 2026.
Chaos After Celtic’s Scottish Cup Victory
The Scottish Cup quarter final between the Glasgow rivals ended goalless before Celtic triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout. What should have been remembered as another classic derby quickly turned into a disturbing spectacle.
Pitch invasions, clashes between supporters, flares, and missiles thrown toward the field marred the occasion. Police officers, stewards, and fans were injured during the disorder.
So far, nine arrests have been confirmed, with authorities warning that further arrests are likely.
Police Scotland described the scenes as despicable and shameful. The fallout has prompted an independent review by the Scottish Football Association, while Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney also condemned the violence as completely unacceptable.
Police Raise Concerns Over Future Away Allocations
Senior officers have now questioned whether large away fan allocations at Old Firm matches are still safe.
Greater Glasgow Division Chief Superintendent Emma Croft warned that large scale away sections may not currently be workable or sustainable from a policing perspective.
With the intensity of the rivalry already at boiling point, the back to back derbies and heightened emotions after Celtic’s victory appeared to contribute to the situation spiraling out of control.
Martin O’Neill Backs Rangers’ Right to Tickets
Amid the growing debate, Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill has made his position clear regarding the upcoming post split league meeting at Celtic Park.
Speaking on March 13, he insisted that Rangers should still receive their usual allocation.
He said Rangers will be due their allocation and are entitled to it because it is a league match. He also suggested that few people are arguing against that principle.
A Tradition Already Reduced
Away support numbers in Old Firm fixtures have already been reduced significantly over the past decade.
Before 2018, travelling fans regularly received more than 7,000 tickets. In recent seasons, that number has been closer to 2,500 for matches at Celtic Park.
The changes followed years of disagreements between the clubs over ticket allocations, which at times resulted in almost no away fans attending the fixtures.
O’Neill Fears the Atmosphere Could Be Lost
O’Neill admitted he was saddened by the events at Ibrox and fears they could threaten the electric atmosphere that makes the derby so unique.
He has long argued that large travelling supports add something special to the fixture and believes the rivalry loses part of its magic when away fans are drastically reduced.
Earlier this season, Celtic supporters were given a significant allocation at Ibrox for the cup tie, the first time since 2018 that such numbers had been allowed.
For O’Neill, moments like that restore the spectacle and intensity that define the Old Firm clash.
Safety Concerns Remain the Priority
Despite the romantic appeal of full away sections, authorities insist safety must come first.
Rangers manager Danny Rohl has urged supporters to take responsibility and avoid damaging the reputation of the derby. Rangers also condemned the disorder and called for a full investigation.
Celtic echoed similar concerns, describing the behaviour witnessed at Ibrox as unacceptable and stressing the need to address security issues surrounding the match.
What Happens Next
The ongoing review by the Scottish Football Association could result in new measures covering policing, stewarding, and supporter behaviour. Temporary limits on away fans or stricter safety controls are also possible.
For now, early reports suggest Rangers may still receive around 2,500 tickets for the post split clash at Celtic Park, pending final safety discussions between the clubs, police, and league officials.
A Rivalry at a Crossroads
The Old Firm has always thrived on the deafening noise created by supporters from both sides. Removing or drastically reducing away allocations may make the games safer, but it risks dulling one of football’s most intense spectacles.
The debate now facing Scottish football is simple but difficult. How do you preserve the passion and tradition of the derby while ensuring the safety of everyone involved?
The answer could shape the future of Old Firm matches for years to come.