Martin O'Neill: Celtic better off without Ibrox tickets than 300 for Rangers League Cup tie

Martin O’Neill said Celtic would prefer no away fans at Ibrox rather than a limited 300‑ticket allocation for the upcoming League Cup quarter‑final against Rangers. The statement came after the Scottish FA announced that both clubs must play their next Scottish Cup home games behind closed doors due to crowd disorder at last season’s Scottish Cup quarter‑final, where about 8,000 Rangers supporters attended Celtic’s penalty‑shootout win.

The Rangers ticket allocation was confirmed by the club on Friday, hours after the Scottish FA’s decision. The sanctions followed a chaotic match in which Celtic’s win over Rangers on penalties drew a far larger away crowd than recent Premiership fixtures, prompting the governing body to impose stricter restrictions for cup games.

O’Neill, who led Celtic to a 2‑1 Premiership victory over Falkirk, dismissed the limited allocation as “a shame” and expressed that the club would rather refuse the 300 tickets than play with such a small away presence. “If they’re going to give us 300 tickets, I would rather say ‘no’ and give them one,” he said, stressing that the atmosphere at Ibrox is best when away fans are allowed in full.

The win over Falkirk, featuring a Camilo Duran double, was crucial for Celtic after a disappointing Champions League play‑off exit to LASK. The match was a bright spot for the club’s supporters, who had been critical of Celtic’s European performance. Despite the win, O’Neill praised the fans’ support, noting that the crowd cheered the team as they left the dressing room – a surprise that pleased the manager.

Former Celtic captain Scott Brown commented that the fans “were good today,” highlighting the positive reaction to midfielder Luke McCowan’s substitute appearance. Brown, who has faced criticism on social media after Celtic’s loss in Linz, praised the supporters for their loyalty and said the club’s fans “are the real fans, going to games, not sitting behind keyboards.” He also urged the club to address squad deficiencies exposed in the Champions League, noting the need for depth in the transfer market.

O’Neill acknowledged that Celtic must strengthen the squad to defend their Scottish Premiership title and secure a Europa League spot. “We need more depth,” he said, pointing out concerns over left‑back Kieran Tierney’s injury record and the lack of a clear replacement after Marcelo Saracchi’s departure. He also mentioned the need for a centre‑half, citing the loss of Arne Engels to West Ham as a gap that needs filling.

Former skipper Brown suggested that Celtic will likely bring in another left‑back and possibly a new centre‑half. He added that the club needs a “powerhouse in the middle of the park” for European competition, referencing Engels’ physicality and the team’s struggles against LASK. Brown said that Celtic’s board will be pushed to spend more in the transfer market to secure the necessary reinforcements.

The debate over ticket allocation highlights the broader issue of fan safety and club responsibility in Scottish football. With the Scottish FA’s new restrictions in place, Celtic’s next home matches in the Scottish Cup will be played behind closed doors, a move that has drawn criticism from fans and clubs alike.

The situation underscores the importance of maintaining a vibrant matchday atmosphere while ensuring safety, a balance that clubs like Celtic and Rangers must navigate in the coming season. The club’s performance in the Premiership, their European ambitions, and the ongoing transfer window will all be key factors in determining Celtic’s success next season.

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