The police officer leading the investigation into the disturbances at Ibrox on Sunday has labeled the large away supporter groups in matches between Rangers and Celtic as unsafe.
Clashes that occurred on the field following Celtic’s victory in the Scottish Cup seem to have dashed any hopes of restoring traditional ticket allocations for future Glasgow derby matches in the near future.
With approximately 7,500 Celtic fans present at Ibrox for the first time since 2018, many rushed onto the pitch to celebrate their penalty shootout victory.
Over 100 Rangers supporters also stormed the pitch, targeting the Broomloan Stand. Several police officers, stewards, and members of the public sustained injuries, with nine arrests made within 24 hours, and more anticipated.
Ticket allocations for away supporters have fluctuated between around 750 to none, to approximately 2,500. However, Scottish Cup regulations allow away clubs to claim up to 20% of the tickets, a compromise reached with input from the Scottish Football Association.
Chief Superintendent Emma Croft indicated that the size of the away fan allocation contributed to the mayhem.
When asked about the reasons behind the violence, she stated, “The euphoria from such a last-minute win certainly played a role, alongside the ongoing rivalry and pent-up aggression between the two teams. The back-to-back Old Firm matches likely added to the intensity.” She also noted the significant presence of the away fan base at Ibrox was unexpected for many attendees during this time.
“I believe it’s crucial to engage in realistic discussions about how to ensure that the football experience aligns with safety measures,” she said. “While I wouldn’t advocate for a complete ban, I must stress that the current arrangement is neither sustainable nor safe.”
Authorities are investigating various incidents that occurred before, during, and after the match, both inside and outside Ibrox. Numerous Celtic fans without tickets gained unauthorized access to the stadium, and graffiti in the Broomloan Stand referenced the tragic 1971 Ibrox disaster that claimed the lives of 66 Rangers fans in a crowd crush after an Old Firm match.
Amidst the chaos, a lit flare was thrown by a Rangers fan before being exchanged in the crowd, and police reported that a 10-year-old child was hit by a coin.
A 47-year-old man has been charged with assault following an incident involving a member of Celtic’s staff and a player during the post-match turmoil.
Video footage captured a fan kicking Celtic defender Julián Araujo before another fan approached and pushed the Mexican international.
A review of the police response has been initiated, with Chief Supt Croft asserting that there were sufficient officers on duty and that they responded “as promptly and appropriately as possible.”
She believes that fostering engagement with the clubs’ “ultra” groups and establishing “clearer expectations” is essential to preventing similar incidents in the future. “I urge the clubs and football authorities to invest in building relationships with these groups, allowing them to maintain their passion while adhering to club regulations and, most importantly, avoiding any criminal actions,” she emphasized.