Celtic, Rangers appeal stadium closure sanction after fan trouble

Celtic and Rangers have lodged appeals against a Scottish FA sanction requiring both clubs to play their next home Scottish Cup fixtures behind closed doors. The clubs are also challenging a £100,000 payment ordered to be paid to the opposition side. The disciplinary action followed severe crowd trouble during their Scottish Cup quarter-final match at Ibrox in March, which resulted in 43 arrests.

The disorder erupted after Celtic secured a 4-2 penalty shootout victory following a goalless draw, prompting fans from both sides to clash on the pitch with pyrotechnics. Under the original ruling, a second match behind closed doors was suspended until the end of next season. An appeal hearing regarding the sanctions has been scheduled for October 26.