Scotland’s top-tier football league, 12 teams, 38 matches each.
The SPFL has ruled that no away supporters will be permitted at Rangers vs Celtic matches in SPFL competitions for the remainder of the 2026/27 season, following an independent review of crowd disorder at last season’s Scottish Cup quarter‑final. The decision affects a Premier Sports Cup quarter‑final at Ibrox on Sept. 13 and a league game at Celtic Park a week later, with both clubs restricted to home supporters.
Rangers will warm up for their first competitive match under Derek McInnes with a friendly against West Ham United at Ibrox on July 26. The game is part of a busy pre-season schedule that also includes an Austrian training camp before the Europa League third qualifying round.
The independent review into March’s Old Firm clash has highlighted near-misses, planning failures, and a call for stronger sanctions and accountability for clubs. Hearings are set for August 13 as the SFA publishes its findings.
Hibernian have overturned a 2-0 deficit in Kosovo to beat Malisheva 4-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate, with a late goal confirming their progression. The coach’s position is addressed by a improved performance and crowd backing.
Rangers draw 1-1 away at Dundee United as new manager Derek McInnes watches from the touchline. Lachlan Rose gives United the lead; Thelo Aasgaard equalises after the break. Debutants and fresh signings feature, but no winner is found.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has undergone a small procedure in hospital and is expected to be released in a day or two. He signed a one-year deal in June to become permanent Celtic boss and led last season’s double, with the club’s next league game in doubt as he recovers.
Martin O’Neill has undergone a small procedure and is recovering at home. Shaun Maloney is coordinating training as Celtic prepare for their next match; a final call on the manager’s involvement will be made in the coming days.
Kasper Hogh scores a hat-trick as Celtic outclass Kilmarnock, with Duran providing a superb assist and Nygren adding a third. Maloney and O’Neill are absent due to unrelated matters as Celtic dominate in Ayrshire, while questions linger over Kilmarnock’s defensive shape ahead of the season's tougher tests.
Scotland has named Sebastien Pocognoli as its new head coach, succeeding Steve Clarke. Pocognoli, a 39-year-old former Belgium international, has led Union Saint-Gilloise to a Belgian title and most recently managed Monaco. His appointment signals a shift to a front-foot, high-press style and aims to build on Clarke’s foundations.
The Scottish FA has identified the Belgian coach, Pocognoli, as the preferred choice to replace Derek McInnes as Scotland manager. Pocognoli guided Union Saint-Gilloise to a historic Belgian title in 2024-25, and is seen as the first foreign boss for Scotland since Vogts. Clarke has stepped down after Scotland’s World Cup group exit.
James Penrice has joined Rangers on loan from AEK Athens after playing for Hearts last season, with Tuur Rommens sidelined. He debuts for the Ibrox club against St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup, providing competition on the left and a potential boost for manager Derek McInnes.
Celtic has collapsed from a 4-0 aggregate lead to a 5-4 loss in Linz, exiting the Champions League playoff. Manager Martin O’Neill has taken responsibility, while players defend the team as they face a costly European setback.
The Scottish FA has imposed sanctions on Celtic and Rangers following crowd trouble at last season’s quarter-final. Both clubs must play next home Scottish Cup fixtures behind closed doors and pay 100,000 to the away team. The rulings reference the Blackbourne Report and warn of potential further penalties if disorder recurs.