LAST Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox was marred by violent disorder, overshadowing a dramatic penalty shootout victory for the visitors.
The scenes, which saw hundreds of fans from both clubs invade the pitch, have drawn widespread condemnation and sparked calls for a potential ban on away supporters.
The trouble erupted immediately after Celtic’s Tomas Cvancara scored the decisive penalty, securing a 4-2 shootout win following a goalless 120 minutes.
What began as an invasion by jubilant Celtic supporters from the Broomloan Stand quickly escalated as Rangers fans breached barriers to confront them.
Police and stewards were forced to form a human shield between the warring factions as missiles, including lit flares, were thrown.
There were reports of Rangers fans targeting Celtic players, with one appearing to kick full-back Julian Araujo .
Police Scotland condemned the “shameful” and “despicable” behaviour, confirming that officers and members of the public were injured while facing “extreme hostility” from individuals armed with items intended to cause harm.
A number of arrests were made immediately, with a robust investigation now underway in conjunction with the clubs and the Scottish Football Association (SFA), who have also launched an inquiry.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney labelled the violence “completely and utterly unacceptable,” offering his full support to police in pursuing those responsible.
Rangers icon Ally McCoist described the riot as an “absolute embarrassment” and “cringe,” revealing that an 18-year-old girl had been struck by a bottle.
Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan questioned whether hosting away fans is “worth it,” pointing to the “real nastiness” fueled by social media.
With the SFA investigation pending and political pressure mounting, the future of away allocations in the Old Firm fixture now hangs in the balance.
