Celtic await crucial Scottish FA appeal verdict over Scottish Cup stadium ban

The Hoops were handed the punishment following crowd disorder during their Scottish Cup quarter-final victory over Rangers at Ibrox in March, when supporters clashed with each other and police.

Both clubs were hit with identical sanctions, including orders to play their next home Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors and pay £100,000 to their respective opponents.

A further one-match stadium closure was also suspended, with the punishment set to be activated should similar incidents occur again.

The sanctions followed a 37-page report compiled by independent expert Mark Blackbourne, which also raised concerns over Police Scotland’s handling of the disorder.

Celtic immediately challenged the decision, describing the punishment as “disproportionate”, while Rangers also lodged an appeal.

According to reports, the independent appeal hearing began on Monday, October 26, with deliberations expected to continue on Tuesday before a final decision is reached.

Both clubs will receive the outcome in writing, alongside the reasons behind the ruling, before the details are made public.

The original Scottish Cup encounter marked the first time in seven years that Celtic supporters had received the traditional full Broomloan Stand allocation at Ibrox.

However, the ban on away supporters attending Glasgow derbies has since been reinstated for the current campaign.