Ahead of ibrox clash, SFA Releases Stern Message Amid Concerns Over Rangers Handling of Celtic Fixture

With the highly anticipated Celtic vs Rangers clash set to take place at Ibrox this weekend, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) has released a firm statement addressing growing concerns about Rangers’ handling of matchday operations and crowd behavior.

The statement comes amid rising tensions ahead of the Old Firm derby, a fixture that regularly draws intense emotion and scrutiny both on and off the pitch. The SFA noted recent incidents and patterns of fan misconduct at Ibrox, expressing “serious concerns” about whether adequate measures are being taken to ensure safety and uphold the values of the sport.

“The Scottish Football Association expects the highest standards of safety, fairness, and professionalism in all fixtures, particularly those of significant national interest,” the statement read. “We have been made aware of multiple reports concerning supporter behavior and general matchday conduct at Ibrox in recent months. In light of these reports, we are engaging with Rangers FC to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place ahead of Sunday’s match.”

While the SFA did not go into full detail regarding the nature of the complaints, it is understood that previous Old Firm meetings at Ibrox have seen a rise in reported incidents, including pyrotechnics, offensive chants, and security breaches. In recent matches, critics have also pointed to what they describe as a “hostile and poorly managed environment” for visiting players, coaching staff, and supporters.

An SFA spokesperson confirmed that the governing body had initiated dialogue with both clubs earlier in the week, but that particular emphasis was placed on concerns surrounding the home club’s responsibilities.

“Every club has a duty of care not only to its own fans but to visiting teams and their supporters,” the spokesperson said. “When that duty is perceived to be at risk, it is our responsibility to act decisively.”

Rangers have yet to issue a public response to the SFA’s statement, but internal sources suggest that the club is taking the matter seriously. However, critics argue that past assurances from the club have not translated into sufficient improvements on the ground.

Celtic supporters’ groups have long expressed dissatisfaction with their treatment during trips to Ibrox, citing restricted ticket allocations, inadequate stewarding, and a general lack of safety precautions. One group representative described the atmosphere at recent fixtures as “intimidating and dangerous,” urging the SFA to follow through with enforcement if standards are not met.

The SFA’s intervention is being seen by some as an attempt to regain authority amid growing criticism of how high-profile matches are handled in Scotland. In recent years, incidents in the Old Firm have led to political commentary, media outrage, and repeated calls for stricter regulation of crowd control and fixture security.

Former players and pundits have also weighed in on the matter in the run-up to the game. Speaking to a national broadcaster, one ex-international said: “These games are the pride of Scottish football, but the off-pitch issues keep dragging the sport through the mud. It’s time clubs were held accountable, especially when warnings have been ignored.”

As the countdown to the derby continues, the SFA confirmed that it will have additional observers and match delegates in place at Ibrox to monitor proceedings closely. A post-match review will also be conducted, and further disciplinary measures remain a possibility depending on what unfolds on the day.

The Celtic vs Rangers clash is scheduled to kick off at 13:00 on Sunday. All eyes will be on Ibrox—not just for the football, but for how well Rangers manage what is once again one of the most volatile fixtures in the British football calendar.