Rangers v Celtic policing costs revealed as clubs fork out thousands on officers

Offical figures released under a Freedom of Information request show that between February 2015 and September 2018, the total bill for policing Glasgow’s two biggest sides was just under £900,000 for 15 games.

The figures relate to the costs Police Scotland charge clubs for providing officers inside the venue – therefore the total costs (including any deployment surrounding the stadium) is not considered.

The most expensive game over the four-year period came on Hogmanay 2016 at Ibrox, with Rangers being billed £74,390.40.

Celtic won that league game 2-1.

Old Firm policing costs between February 2015 and September 2018

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That match marked the end of December 31 clashes between the Old Firm sides, after SPFL bosses met with business leaders who feared it would ruin the New Year trade.

The Ibrox side hosted the most matches between the four-year period – at a cost of £354,031 for six games.

Five Old Firm matches were held at Celtic Park, with the total amount charged amounting to £285, 342.

And four games were held at Hampden Park, either for the Scottish FA Cup or the Scottish League Cup. These matches totalled £242, 672.

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Last month we told how Rangers were billed more for policing than any other club in Scotland.

They incurred £306,770 in charges for games last season.

Celtic were the second highest, billed £227, 361.

Meanwhile Hamilton were at the bottom of the table, forking out just £15,740.

Police Scotland, Celtic and Rangers have all been approached for comment.