Rangers 'disappointed' with league ruling but accept allocation for Old Firm derby

Rangers have said they are “deeply disappointed” after the SPFL ruled in favour of Celtic following a dispute over ticketing arrangements but have accepted the allocation for the final Old Firm of the season.

The club had asked the Scottish Professional Football League to step in after Celtic refused to give the away support tickets to the derby on May 10 unless the Ibrox club’s Union Bears ultras group was banned.

The row came in the aftermath of disorder at the Scottish Cup quarter-final on March 8, when fans from both clubs entered the Ibrox pitch after Celtic won on penalties.

While the league ruled 5% of Celtic’s stadium capacity should be made available for Rangers fans, they did not overrule the club’s determination that giving Union Bears tickets would pose a security risk.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Rangers said they were “deeply disappointed” with the SPFL’s decision to rule in favour of Celtic, but confirmed they had accepted the allocation.

They confirmed that the Union Bears had volunteered to not be included in ticketing arrangements for the fixture.

A Rangers statement read: “We are deeply disappointed with the SPFL’s decision to accept the ultimatum placed upon our ticket allocation for the game on May 10.

“It sets a concerning precedent with potentially lasting consequences for the league and match-going fans, cutting across the spirit of the competition and disregarding the established agreement on away allocations between clubs.

“In light of the SPFL’s decision, the Union Bears have volunteered that they do not wish to be included within the club’s ticket allocation for this fixture.

“Our club, our supporters and the reputation of Rangers will continue to be defended robustly while the Scottish FA’s independent process regarding the events on 8 March runs its course.

“This is a defining match at a crucial stage of the season, and it is important that Rangers supporters are present to back their team. We will therefore take up the allocation available to us.

“Our focus now turns to the matches ahead, on the field and off it, working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure they are delivered safely, fairly and professionally.”

In a statement released on Saturday, the Union Bear group said they have been in dialogue with Rangers and had urged the club to accept the conditions, but said the ban is a “direct attack on fan culture and sets a dangerous precedent”.

It read: “The Union Bears strongly condemn the decision to ban the group from the upcoming Old Firm fixture.

“We believe this decision represents a direct attack on fan culture and sets a dangerous precedent, not only at Rangers, but across Scottish football as a whole.

“Following this ruling, we have been in dialogue with Rangers and have urged the club to accept the conditions required to ensure a full allocation, as it is essential that a fully unified Rangers support is present at the fixture.

“Now more than ever, it is is vital that the Rangers support stands united.

“Yesterday’s decision reflects a fear from clubs and authorities, a fear of the positive impact of the Rangers support.

“We must ensure that unwavering backing for the team from the stands continues.”

Rangers had previously said in a statement they had been “clear in condemning the actions” of those involved and had been “attempting to work with Celtic to mitigate any security concerns for the upcoming match”.

In a statement issued on the same day, Celtic said they made a “reasonable request” that tickets not be distributed to a “section of supporters who had very recently and identifiably engaged in serious violence and disorder involving Celtic supporters, staff, police and stewards.”

They added they were “surprised and disappointed” that Rangers have not agreed to the request.

Both clubs have been approached for an updated comment.