Rangers and Celtic face off today in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals, the first Old Firm derby of the current season. The match at Ibrox will proceed without away fans, a temporary arrangement implemented for this season's Old Firm fixtures in both the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup.
This ban stems from disruption at last season’s Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox, which an independent review found narrowly avoided “crushing” and “life-threatening violence” after Rangers fans reportedly stormed the pitch to confront Celtic supporters. Both clubs have also received behind-closed-doors punishments for their next home fixture in that competition.
In team news, Rangers will be without captain Lawrence Shankland, who is sidelined for months due to a hamstring tear. Striker Youssef Chermiti and new signing Daisuke Yokota are also out with hamstring injuries. For Celtic, record signing Kasper Hogh recently returned from injury, and Kieran Tierney is nearing a return, potentially in time for the match.
Derek McInnes is now in charge of Rangers, having previously led Hearts. Martin O’Neill’s Celtic side has started the domestic campaign with seven consecutive wins, though both teams have reportedly struggled in European competitions.