Celtic Manager Martin O'Neill Advocates for Full Away Ticket Allocation at Ibrox

Celtic's interim manager Martin O'Neill has expressed strong hopes that Celtic will receive the full away ticket allocation for their upcoming Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers at Ibrox, scheduled for March 7-8, 2026. According to Scottish Cup regulations, away teams can claim up to 20% of the stadium's capacity, which translates to over 10,000 tickets at Ibrox. Historically, Celtic fans filled the Broomloan Stand, which has approximately 7,500 seats, but their allocation was drastically reduced to fewer than 1,000 tickets by Rangers in 2018. This reduction sparked a series of retaliatory measures between the clubs, resulting in fluctuating allocations and, at times, no away fans being permitted.

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O'Neill, reflecting on the importance of fan presence, stated, "I want all the tickets that we can get, the allocation that's available to us under the rules. I assume that would be forthcoming." He emphasized that the absence of a full allocation diminished the atmosphere of one of football's most renowned fixtures. O'Neill believes that restoring the traditional ticket allocation would enhance the experience for both players and supporters, stating, "I thought that the Old Firm fixture lost a little bit... it would be fantastic to get back to that."

Daily Record (Scotland)

In addition to the ticket allocation discussions, O'Neill provided updates on player conditions ahead of the match against Livingston. New signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training well and could make his debut, while Kieran Tierney, who suffered a suspected concussion, is expected to be available. O'Neill remarked, "He's doing fine... I think he wants to be available," highlighting the squad's readiness for the upcoming fixtures.

Daily Mail

Despite O'Neill's optimism, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of securing a full allocation. The decision ultimately rests with Police Scotland, which must agree on the designated away end based on safety considerations. Some critics argue that the ongoing disputes over ticket allocations have detracted from the spirit of the rivalry, with calls for both clubs to reach a more amicable agreement.

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As Celtic prepares for a demanding schedule that includes multiple away matches, O'Neill's focus remains on maximizing fan engagement and support. The upcoming Scottish Cup clash against Rangers not only represents a critical moment in the season but also serves as a potential turning point in the long-standing ticket allocation feud between the two clubs. O'Neill's advocacy for a full allocation reflects a broader desire among fans and stakeholders for a return to the vibrant atmosphere that characterized past encounters.

Daily Mail

• “Just being a Celtic supporter, I would want all the tickets we can get, the allocation that's available to us under the rules. I assume that would be forthcoming.” — Martin O'Neill, Celtic Manager

Daily Record (Scotland)

• “I thought that the Old Firm fixture lost a little bit in the sense that the full allocation was not given, for whatever reason.” — Martin O'Neill, Celtic Manager

O'Neill reacts to Celtic Rangers draw, wants big Ibrox allocation

This upcoming match not only poses a significant challenge for Celtic but also reignites discussions about fan representation and the historical significance of the Old Firm rivalry.

Daily Record (Scotland)