Authorities declare large visiting supporter groups ‘unsafe’ for Old Firm derby.
Large away fan contingents during matches between Rangers and Celtic have been deemed unsafe by the police officer overseeing the investigation into the disturbances at Ibrox on Sunday.
Post-match confrontations following Celtic’s victory in the Scottish Cup seem to have dashed any prospects of traditional ticket allocations returning to the Glasgow derby in the near future.
Celtic brought approximately 7,500 supporters to Ibrox for the first time since 2018, with many fans rushing onto the pitch to celebrate their penalty shoot-out victory.
Over 100 Rangers supporters also stormed the pitch and advanced towards the Broomloan Stand. Several police officers, stewards, and members of the public sustained injuries, and nine arrests were made within 24 hours, with “significantly” more anticipated.
Recent away ticket allocations have fluctuated from around 750 to none at all, and up to about 2,500, but Scottish Cup regulations allow visiting clubs to claim up to 20 percent of tickets, with an agreement reached following discussions with the Scottish Football Association.
Chief Superintendent Emma Croft believes the ticket allocation contributed to the unrest.
When asked about the reasons for the escalation of tensions, she stated: “I think the excitement from the nature of the win and its last-minute occurrence played a role. There is the ongoing rivalry and accumulated aggression between the two teams, certainly. The consecutive Old Firm matches likely contributed as well.
“Additionally, the presence of such a large away fan base at Ibrox, which was a new experience for many, I believe also played a significant role.
“This is where I would welcome discussions—realistic discussions—on how to align the football experience with safety considerations.
“I would hope we have a say in this matter, as the primary concern is the safety of everyone, and policing is crucial in that regard.
“I wouldn’t say a complete ban is the answer, but I would argue that the current arrangement is neither sustainable nor safe.”
Authorities are looking into incidents that occurred before and after the match, as well as inside and outside Ibrox. Several Celtic fans without tickets managed to enter the stadium, and graffiti in the Broomloan Stand referenced the 1971 Ibrox disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 66 Rangers fans in a crush after an Old Firm match.
A lit flare was thrown by a charging Rangers supporter before being exchanged back and forth, 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 also captured a fan kicking Celtic defender Julián Araujo, followed by another individual pushing the Mexico international.
A review of the police operation has been initiated, but Chief Supt Croft believes that sufficient officers were deployed and that they responded “as quickly and appropriately as we possibly could.”
She asserts that engaging with the clubs’ “ultra” groups and establishing “clearer expectations” is essential to preventing similar incidents in the future.
“I would urge the clubs and football authorities to genuinely invest in that engagement with these groups, allowing them to be passionate supporters while adhering to the club’s requirements and, importantly for us, not crossing the line into criminal behavior,” she added.
