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Celtic and Rangers Get Behind-Closed-Doors Punishment
The Scottish Football Association ordered Celtic and Rangers to play their next home Scottish Cup matches behind closed doors following disorder at their quarter-final meeting. Both clubs must pay £100,000 in compensation to opposing teams.
Violent scenes during the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox in March prompted the disciplinary action after fans from both clubs invaded the pitch following a penalty shootout. An independent review concluded that "crushing" and "life-threatening violence" were narrowly avoided.
Panels unanimously found both clubs breached Disciplinary Rule 37, which requires clubs to ensure good order and prevent Unacceptable Conduct at matches. The Tribunal imposed identical sanctions against both Celtic and Rangers for failing to control their supporters.
Payments of £100,000 must be made to opposing teams within 30 days of match completion. The SFA also imposed suspended sanctions active until the conclusion of the 2027/28 season, applicable if further crowd trouble occurs at Scottish Cup fixtures.
Any repeat of crowd trouble during Scottish Cup ties over the next two seasons would trigger the suspended closed-door punishment. The SFA's enforcement demonstrates commitment to preventing future disorder at tournament fixtures.