Martin O'Neill has disclosed that Celtic received a "general behaviour" advisory from Police Scotland in advance of Sunday's League Cup quarter-final against Rangers at Ibrox, a fixture that will see the visiting support entirely absent from the stadium.
The 50,000-capacity ground will host no Celtic supporters following a directive from the authorities, stemming from an ongoing allocation dispute between the two Glasgow rivals. This decision forms part of a broader crackdown on disorder that has plagued recent encounters between the clubs.
The current tensions trace back to March's Old Firm meeting in Govan, where fan misconduct overshadowed Celtic's Scottish Cup quarter-final victory over Rangers. The tie ended goalless after 120 minutes before the Hoops prevailed on penalties.
In response to that incident, both clubs have been instructed by the Scottish FA to stage their next home Scottish Cup fixtures behind closed doors. Additionally, each has been handed a £100,000 compensation payment obligation, directed to whichever team draws the away assignment in their subsequent Scottish Cup competition matches.
The away-fan restrictions extend well beyond this single fixture. According to BBC Sport, the SPFL has ruled that no away supporters will be permitted at Celtic-Rangers league or League Cup matches for the remainder of the 2026/27 season, with the arrangement described as temporary and subject to review. The measure covers the season's first League Cup meeting between the sides on 13 September 2026 at Ibrox, as well as all other Old Firm derbies in both competitions this term.
The scale of the reduction in ticket allocations has been stark. Rangers offered just 300 tickets instead of approximately 2,500 for a derby, illustrating how dramatically allocations have been curtailed as a result of the disorder.
The 74-year-old Celtic manager acknowledged the unusual circumstances while expressing optimism about the fixture itself.
It'll be a bit strange not having the Celtic fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture,O'Neill said.
Regarding the police visit, O'Neill elaborated on the nature of the discussion.
We had the police come in today, just a little 15-minute meeting with us, just reminders of our behaviour, which I think is actually a timely reminder. It's a good thing as well.
The manager stressed the importance of conduct both on and off the pitch.
I think it's the overall picture. Gosh, it'd be nice to have something to celebrate. I think it's just general behaviour from us.
O'Neill went on to explain the broader implications of the police guidance.
They didn't mention this but I would have assumed that one of the things that they considered is what happens on the field of play, because these things can be taken further. You don't want any sort of punch-ups for a start; secondly, you don't want too excessive celebrations, stuff like that, if that was the case.
I mean, I'd be delighted to be celebrating something in the game. But it's the behaviour in the light of what has happened in recent fixtures.
Team news and goalkeeper decision
O'Neill confirmed that midfielder Mika Baur will be available for training on Saturday following a knock that kept him sidelined on Friday.
The Celtic boss remains undecided over his goalkeeping selection for the trip to Govan. Sam Johnstone, the England international on loan from EFL Championship outfit Wolves, made his Hoops debut in the 1-0 Scottish Premiership victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday evening. However, his place is not guaranteed, with Viljami Sinisalo, who began the season as the number one, still in contention.
O'Neill was deliberately non-committal about his choice.
I haven't made my mind up at all. It was a matter of getting a look at what Sam can do.
It's great to have the two of them. Big Viljami has done exceptionally well for us and it was just, again, an opportunity to see what Sam can do now. What he could do a couple of years ago was fantastic; what he can do now might be a totally different picture. I will let them know first.
Wider context and future fixtures
The disciplinary measures imposed on both clubs reflect a sustained effort to address fan behaviour at Old Firm encounters. Police Scotland had previously employed Section 60 stop-and-search powers around earlier Old Firm matches in an attempt to prevent disorder in Glasgow. Following the March incident, the Scottish FA cited both clubs under its rules governing good order, security and unacceptable conduct.
The away-fan arrangement remains subject to review should circumstances materially change during the season, according to the SPFL's guidance. The next Old Firm League Cup meeting is scheduled for 13 September 2026 at Ibrox, with the same restrictions in place.
