Celtic and Rangers have appealed against SFA punishments that will see the clubs play their next Scottish Cup games behind closed doors. The Glasgow rivals have been sanctioned by the SFA following ugly scenes at Ibrox after the Hoops' Scottish Cup quarter-final win back in March.
Sanctions following Ibrox clashes
Away ticket allocations were slashed to just 750 almost eight years ago, but an agreement between the clubs saw the numbers increased last season. 2,500 Rangers fans were at Celtic Park at New Year and more than 2,000 Celtic supporters hit Ibrox in the Premiership encounter seven days before the Scottish Cup showdown, for which they were given the traditional allocation of the full Broomloan Stand.
Following Tom Cvancara's winning spot-kick, a section of Celtic fans ran on to the pitch before Rangers ultras stormed on at the other end and ran the length of the pitch to confront them, clashing with stewards and police as pyrotechnics were thrown.
Appeals and fines challenged
An independent review into the shameful scenes found major failings with Police Scotland and the governing body SFA has now dished out sanctions to both clubs. Both Rangers and Celtic hit back following the punishment and they have now challenged the Hampden chiefs' decision.
The Glasgow giants are also challenging fines of £100,000 levelled on both clubs after fans clashed on the pitch at the end of last season's quarter-final at Ibrox. Warned that they could be forced to play a second home match without supporters in the event of further unacceptable conduct, Celtic released a statement citing a 'disproportionate punishment' while Rangers vowed to 'consider the outcome in full.'
Appeal hearings scheduled
Both clubs have now launched a disciplinary challenge with the appeal hearings due to take place on Monday October 26. The clubs are also challenging fines of £100,000 that they received following the scenes at Ibrox.
