The bans represent a major consequence for two clubs whose Scottish Cup meetings traditionally depend on a packed, hostile atmosphere. Rather than being limited to fines or individual exclusions, the reported sanction affects the next home ties for both sides.
That distinction matters. The punishment follows an incident involving supporters from both clubs, with the scale of the arrests giving the case added weight. The report says appeals were unsuccessful, leaving Celtic and Rangers facing the prospect of staging a high-profile cup fixture in an empty stadium.
The decision also places renewed focus on how both clubs manage segregation, stewarding and crowd behaviour during fixtures carrying exceptional rivalry and emotional pressure.
For Celtic and Rangers, the issue now extends beyond a single afternoon at Ibrox. The empty stands will make the consequences visible to players, officials and supporters, while the clubs will face further scrutiny over the measures used to prevent a repeat.
Attention will turn to the scheduling of the affected Scottish Cup ties and to whether either club faces additional disciplinary action. The next test will be practical as much as sporting: can Celtic and Rangers deliver a safe cup occasion when the usual crowd is absent, and can their supporters avoid creating another case for sanctions?