The Scottish Football Association has formally rejected appeals from Celtic and Rangers, confirming that both clubs will play their next Scottish Cup home ties behind closed doors. The appellate tribunal ruled on Monday that the initial sanctions remain valid, forcing the Glasgow rivals to host their upcoming national cup matches without supporters in attendance. This decision stands despite the clubs’ legal challenges, cementing a significant administrative hurdle for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the cup competition.
SFA tribunal dismisses Old Firm bids to reverse empty-ground sanctions and £100k fines
In addition to the stadium closures, the tribunal mandated that each club must pay a £100,000 compensation fee to the visiting side for their respective home fixtures. While the panel did set aside a suspended ban on fans for further infractions, the core punitive measures remain intact. The incident stems from March, when fans from both sides breached the pitch at Ibrox, triggering the initial disciplinary proceedings that have now reached their final conclusion at the appellate level.
Celtic strongly contested the ruling, labeling the punishment “excessive and disproportionate” in a statement released following the decision. The club argued that a “false equivalence” was drawn between their supporters, who entered the pitch “at a moment of emotion and celebration,” and the conduct of Rangers fans. The dismissal of these appeals leaves both Old Firm giants facing a unique logistical and financial challenge, with the empty stadium atmosphere set to define their next cup campaigns.
Source: BBC
