Celtic described the SPFL’s decision to cut their Hampden ticket allocation for future League Cup matches as “hugely disappointing” for the wider fanbase. The ruling, which also applies to Rangers, comes after an independent panel found both clubs – along with Motherwell – guilty of breaching pyrotechnic regulations at recent matches.

The punishment sees Celtic lose 500 tickets for their next League Cup match at Hampden, while a suspended sanction of 800 further tickets will apply if there are future breaches before March 2027. That could come into play sooner than expected, with Brendan Rodgers’ side potentially returning to the national stadium for a Scottish Cup semi-final—if they get past Hibernian this Sunday.

Celtic acknowledged the decision in a club statement, expressing frustration that their support as a whole is being punished for the actions of a small minority. The club also highlighted an ongoing UEFA suspended sentence due to similar incidents in European competition, most recently against Borussia Dortmund. If that ban is triggered, Celtic fans could face restrictions for an away Champions League or Europa League tie next season.

“The fact that the use of pyrotechnics by a small minority is now adversely affecting the attendance of our supporters at matches should act as a very serious wake-up call to those involved,” the statement read.

While the immediate impact of the League Cup sanction is limited—season ticket holders and Home Cup Ticket Scheme (HCTS) members are still likely to secure seats—it is a clear warning from authorities. The bigger concern for Celtic will be avoiding further UEFA punishments, which could have much more serious consequences for travelling supporters.

For now, the focus turns to Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final at Celtic Park, where a win would send Celtic back to Hampden where the ban would then take effect.