Police investigating 'shameful' Ibrox pitch invasion following Celtic's win over Rangers

Glasgow, Scotland – Police Scotland has opened a comprehensive investigation after a mass pitch invasion marred the conclusion of Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox Stadium, where Celtic defeated Rangers on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw.

Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen confirmed that “a number” of arrests have already been made and revealed that both officers and members of the public sustained injuries during what she described as a “despicable display” of violence. The disorder began moments after substitute Tomáš Čvančara converted the decisive spot-kick in front of the Rangers support, sparking a surge of Celtic supporters from the opposite end of the ground onto the pitch. Video footage captured some away fans embracing players and attempting selfies, while a larger contingent of home supporters, several wearing blue masks, soon followed.

Pyrotechnics were hurled in both directions: first from Rangers fans on the pitch toward the Broomloan Road Stand housing Celtic supporters, then back onto the field from the away section. Police and stewards formed a human barrier along the edge of the penalty area to keep the rival groups apart before the Rangers fans retreated into the stands after a few chaotic minutes.

Stephen said officers faced “extreme hostility and violence over a sustained period,” adding that individuals had “armed themselves with items clearly intended to cause harm.” The probe will also examine how a section of Celtic supporters gained entry to the Broomloan Road Stand without tickets, forcing temporary closure of turnstiles and delaying security operations before kick-off.

The Scottish Football Association immediately condemned the scenes and announced an investigation under its Judicial Panel Protocol. Celtic had been granted the entire Broomloan Road Stand for the first time since 2018, a move that had already prompted the club to issue a pre-match safety notice reiterating a ban on all pyrotechnics.

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl told Premier Sports he was unaware of the disturbance, having already entered the tunnel. Celtic counterpart Martin O’Neill labelled the episode “unfortunate” but suggested such flashpoints are part of what makes the Old Firm fixture “one of the best derbies in the world.” Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, whose save had helped set up Čvančara’s winning penalty, insisted the result would not be overshadowed: “We’ve come here, beat them and we’re into the next round of the cup. That’s the main thing we can focus on.”

Police Scotland pledged to work with both clubs and the governing body to ensure a “robust” follow-up, emphasising that the behaviour “must be condemned by everyone involved in football and wider society.”

SEO keywords: