BBC Scotland forced into embarrassing climbdown after SPFL back Celtic decision

BBC Sport Scotland have been forced into an embarrassing climb down after posting a misleading headline after the SPFL ruled on the ticketing issue ahead of next weekend’s Glasgow Derby. Celtic face Rangers in the final Glasgow Derby game of the season as both clubs battle Hearts for the title after the split.

Despite being over a week away, the game has been marred with controversy after Celtic told Rangers that the Union Bears would not be welcome at Celtic Park. The decision was taken by Celtic to ban the group after a series of unpunished incidents whereby Celtic players and staff have been targeted.

Rangers refused to accept this condition and knocked back their allocation in full, requesting that the SPFL deliver a formal ruling on the matter. The SPFL confirmed that they would be backing Celtic after hearing submissions from parties, entitling Celtic to add the condition against allocating tickets to the Union Bears.

Despite what was a very clear dispute, the BBC Sport Scotland Twitter/X admin appeared to misunderstand this issue. In a bizarre attempt to frame this as a defeat for Celtic, the admin team posted a graphic saying “SPFL SAY RANGERS SHOULD GET 5% OF DERBY TICKETS”.

Appearing to recognise this gaffe, the Tweet was promptly deleted but not before it was spotted. In its place, a tweet was posted encapsulating the issue – that Celtic were backed by the SPFL over this dispute.

It remains to be seen whether Rangers accept the allocation or whether they decide to lock thousands of their own fans out of a crucial game to pander to the Ultras.

Celtic will be hoping that they go into the game in fine spirits after recording a win on the road against Hibs. Martin O’Neill’s side travel to Edinburgh on Sunday to play at Easter Rd before Rangers cross the M8 to face league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle.