The report says 43 people were arrested after the quarter-final, turning a major Scottish football occasion into a disciplinary flashpoint. The Scottish Cup’s knockout format makes the order particularly significant: if upheld, each club would lose home advantage in a competition where atmosphere and crowd pressure can influence tight ties.
For Celtic and Rangers, the issue extends beyond one fixture. Old Firm matches carry an unusually high level of intensity, and the authorities’ response reflects the expectation that both clubs must control the behaviour of their supporters.
A behind-closed-doors match would affect more than the visual spectacle. It would remove ticket revenue, limit the traditional build-up around a cup tie and deny players the home support that often defines Scottish football’s biggest occasions.
The clubs’ appeals indicate that neither accepts the punishment in its current form. However, the hearing will have to address the central question: whether the incidents at Ibrox justify sanctions that affect future matches rather than only the fixture where the disorder occurred.
That distinction matters. A reduced penalty could be viewed as insufficient deterrence, while a closed-doors order would carry a clear warning for future high-risk fixtures.
The October 26 hearing now becomes the next major chapter. Until then, the orders remain contested rather than final, and both clubs will be focused on presenting their case to the Scottish FA.
The ruling will shape the next Scottish Cup storyline-and could set the tone for how authorities handle crowd trouble at future Old Firm meetings.