The announcement underlines how much the landscape has shifted over the past 12 months. Until last season, supporters often had a realistic chance of picking up a late ticket, largely because away fans were not permitted at league derbies.
That changed when a deal was struck to bring back meaningful away allocations at both Celtic Park and Ibrox. The return of travelling supporters has restored the proper intensity and spectacle of the fixture, but it has also reduced the number of tickets available for the home side to sell. There will be 2362 away supporters on the day.
Rangers fans in the stands during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday March 16, 2025.
As far as we are aware, there was no general sale at all for this game. Season ticket holders are covered, and those who were required to move seats to allow the away section to be filled have also received tickets. Beyond that, there is simply no availability.
The sold-out notice sets the scene for one of the most uncertain Glasgow derbies in recent memory.
Celtic head into the contest under new manager Wilfried Nancy, still working to shape the squad into something resembling his vision after a chaotic spell. Across the city, Rangers are also in a period of transition, with Danny Rohl relatively new in the role and attempting to put his own stamp on his side.
Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Semi Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 2, 2025 Celtic’s Liam Scales in action REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Neither team will be the finished article by January 3. That sense of flux adds a layer of unpredictability to a fixture that already thrives on fine margins and emotional swings.
For Celtic, the hope is that home advantage can count for something. A packed Celtic Park, with every seat filled and the atmosphere at full throttle, could be a decisive factor in a derby where form, systems, and confidence are still being pieced together.
What is certain is that the first Glasgow derby of the year will be played in front of a full house.
