Celtic to lose 500 tickets from 21k Hampden allocation

The sanction stems from a disciplinary decision made in March, when the SPFL determined that Celtic had violated Rule H34 due to fans setting off pyrotechnics during last season’s Premier Sports League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen and final versus the Ibrox club. Separate hearings also saw theRangers and Motherwell found guilty over similar large-scale pyrotechnic displays during the tournament.

Celtic were initially handed a 500-ticket deduction for their next Premier Sports League Cup fixture at Hampden Park, a penalty that will now be enforced for the forthcoming semi-final against theRangers as ticket sales look set to be rolled out.

An independent commission also issued a suspended penalty of a further 800-ticket reduction, to be activated if another violation occurs before March 2027. The SPFL clarified that the cut applies to both clubs, meaning theRangers will likewise forfeit 500 tickets from their allocation.

This new twist adds further intrigue to what is already expected to be a heated League Cup semi-final encounter. With both teams facing their own challenges on and off the pitch, much will depend on which side can find some semblance of form in the build-up to the game.

Approximately 21,000 Celtic supporters are still expected to attend, so the 500-ticket deduction is unlikely to dampen the atmosphere, though it does mean 500 fans who might have gone will miss out.

Celtic will aim to secure another final in their pursuit of the first piece of silverware available to them this season, but there is a looming concern: if pyrotechnics are used during the semi-final, an additional 800 tickets will be deducted for either the final or Celtic’s next League Cup fixture at Hampden. So, let’s remain sensible folks.

There’s still no news from Celtic on the ballot of tickets which will also be slightly smaller than usual as there has been reports of season ticket holders withdrawing from the HCTS meaning they won’t make the ballot this time around.

Conor Spence