The iconic Old Firm derby will be played in front of home supporters only this season after Celtic and Rangers reached a significant agreement with the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL). This 'temporary arrangement' comes as a direct response to the serious crowd disorder and pitch incursions that marred last season's Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes admitted he was deeply "embarrassed" after the Scottish giants suffered a humiliating penalty shootout elimination against Czech underdogs Jablonec in the Conference League play-offs. The shock defeat compounded a miserable week for Scottish football following arch-rivals Celtic's Champions League qualifying collapse.
Derek McInnes's tenure as Rangers manager has descended into early-season turmoil after the Light Blues were dumped out of the Europa League qualifiers by Jagiellonia Bialystok. A 1-1 draw on a toxic night at Ibrox confirmed a 3-2 aggregate defeat, leaving the Glasgow giants to settle for a place in the Conference League play-offs.