Authorities reported encountering “extreme hostility and violence” during a post-match pitch invasion at Ibrox, which affected Celtic players and staff.
Several arrests have been made following confrontations among fans after the Hoops’ victory in the Scottish Cup quarterfinal.
Numerous Rangers supporters, many from the section occupied by the Union Bears ultras, surged towards the Broomloan Stand after some of the 7,500 visiting fans entered the pitch to celebrate.
A flare was directed towards the Broomloan Stand and continued to be thrown as police and stewards established a barrier between the two groups of fans.
Law enforcement apprehended a fan after Celtic players, including Tomas Cvancara, rushed to the area amid an incident involving a member of their coaching staff.
Cvancara, who converted the decisive penalty in the shootout, was later seen on Premier Sports with blood stains on his jersey.
Video footage also captured Celtic right-back Julián Araujo being shoved by a Rangers supporter before he managed to sprint towards the tunnel.
Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen characterized the events as “shameful”.
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She noted: “Several arrests have already been made, and Police Scotland will collaborate with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association to conduct a thorough investigation following the incidents on the pitch at the end of the match.
“Officers and stewards faced extreme hostility and violence over an extended period, with many individuals having armed themselves with objects clearly intended to inflict harm.
“Both officers and members of the public have sustained injuries in this reprehensible display, and I wish to extend my gratitude to all officers and staff deployed.”
She also mentioned that the investigation would encompass the actions of fans who entered the Broomloan end without tickets prior to the match.
