Scottish football giants Celtic and Rangers have been hit with a closed-door order for their next home Scottish Cup fixture. The ruling comes after crowd trouble marred last season’s quarter-final clash at Ibrox, which Celtic won on penalties.
An independent review into the March incident concluded that "crushing" and "life-threatening violence" were narrowly avoided when fans from both teams stormed the pitch. Dozens of arrests were made following clashes between supporters.
In addition to playing behind closed doors, both clubs must pay their opponents £100,000 in compensation for the loss of gate receipts. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) disciplinary hearing also stipulated that any repeat crowd trouble in the Scottish Cup over the next two seasons would trigger another closed-door punishment.
Celtic expressed their shock at the decision, calling the punishment "disproportionate" given what they described as a "relatively small incursion" by supporters during a "moment of emotion and celebration." The club stated they would study the panel’s report before considering their next steps. Rangers have yet to comment on the ruling.