Celtic Condemns Scottish FA's Closed-Door Decision

Celtic have condemned as “disproportionate” the Scottish FA’s decision to force them to play their next Scottish Cup home tie behind closed doors, after a pitch invasion by supporters.

The ruling follows what the club described as a “relatively small incursion” of fans onto the field during emotional post-match celebrations. The incident has now drawn one of the toughest sanctions available: a shut-out of supporters for their next home fixture in the competition.

In a strongly worded statement, Celtic made clear they would not defend fans entering the pitch, stressing they have “repeatedly taken action when it occurs.” The club, though, believes the disciplinary panel failed to properly weigh the circumstances surrounding the incident.

They argued that emotion is woven into the fabric of football and insisted the “context and distinction in behaviours” on the day should have carried more weight in the verdict.

Celtic also pointed to a key detail: they were not the home club at the match in question and therefore were not in charge of stadium safety arrangements. That line will resonate, given that responsibility for stewarding and security typically rests with the host club.

The Scottish champions now plan to examine the full written findings once the panel’s report is published. Only then, they say, will they decide on their next move.

Appeal. Acceptance. Or a wider fight over how Scottish football polices passion inside its grounds.