Police Scotland said arrests had been made following a break-in at the Old Firm stadium and condemned the “vile display” at Ibrox after Celtic beat Rangers on penalties in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.
A statement from Police Scotland confirmed they would be working with both Rangers and Celtic to ensure a “robust investigation”, which would also include supporters entering the Brumlawn Road stand without tickets before kick-off.
Celtic advanced to the semi-finals with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over Rangers after a goalless draw at Ibrox, which sparked an invasion of the stadium from both sets of supporters.
Missiles were fired as police and stewards moved to form a barrier between the two fans. Order was then restored as 7,500 Celtic supporters celebrated alone.
Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen said: “The behavior of a number of supporters during today’s Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox was disgraceful and should be condemned by everyone involved in football and wider society.
“A number of arrests have already been made and Police Scotland will now work with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association to carry out robust inquiries along the pitch following the match.
“Police and officers have faced extreme hostility and violence over a prolonged period of time, many armed with objects clearly intended to cause harm. This despicable spectacle has resulted in injuries to officers and members of the public. I would like to thank all officers and staff deployed.
“The investigation also included the actions of some supporters who entered the Brumlawn Road stand without tickets prior to kick-off, which led to delays in security operations and the turnstiles being closed for a period of time.
“I would also urge anyone with information about who was involved in disorder before, during or after the match to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
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Celtic manager Martin O’Neill reacts to the chaos in the stands following his side’s dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Old Firm rivals Rangers.
The Scottish Football Association quickly condemned the fans’ actions and said: “An investigation will take place immediately.”
Röhl condemns fan pitch invasion
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rangers manager Danny Lohl said: “I wasn’t on the pitch right now. I haven’t seen it until now. I think we all know the emotional situation after the game. No one wants to see this.
“It was a really good atmosphere for 120 minutes and it should have been like that. Nothing else should have happened on the pitch or in football.”
Rangers manager Danny Loehn looks dejected after his team was eliminated from the Scottish Cup.
O’Neill provides details of the Pitch invasion.
Celtic players were escorted off the pitch as chaos ensued, with manager Martin O’Neill providing further details after the game.
“It’s a big derby and I think there was a lot of cheering that we won. The fans were in abundance and I think it was very difficult to suppress,” O’Neill said.
“There was a commotion on the way back and someone tried to enter the scene. It’s unfortunate (the final scene) but I hope it doesn’t dilute the character’s performance.
“All I saw was a bit of a scrum at the bottom and, as you said, it could contaminate proceedings but I think there is an element of self-preservation there.
“I’m only judging on half-sights. From my point of view, it was a big win for us. Rangers are very strong and committed to it all week.”
Police have lined up to stop fans storming the pitch at full-time at Ibrox.
O’Neill was worried that the pitch invasion would overshadow an Old Firm victory.
Asked whether supporters’ invasion of the stadium would overshadow the victory, O’Neill added: “That would be a concern for me.”
“The facility itself is still a phenomenal facility, but it has lost a bit of its luster because no away fans or full away fans are allowed.
“I have no idea what’s going to happen. I think it was a proper Old Firm game in that sense for me today, with the crowd and the fans around. We’ll see how it unfolds.”
Fans storm the pitch at full time at Ibrox.
The Old Firm clashes with ‘disgrace’, says Adam.
Former Scotland international Charlie Adam called the pitch invasion a “disgrace” and said both supporters were disappointed at Ibrox.
“This is a shame,” he said. talk sports. “It’s a sad day for Scottish football.
“For the Old Firm, where we talk about being a leadership team and what they stand for, this is an embarrassment to our game.
“And as a national team we are trying to improve, we are trying to be better, but these two clubs have let us down as a country and they have to look at themselves today.
“Both football clubs need to look at themselves because they are players who set the standard for our football clubs. Both supporters have let themselves down.
“It’s a shame for Scottish football. This shouldn’t happen. It shouldn’t happen in this day and age and it needs to be brought under control quickly because otherwise it will continue to escalate and grow and create big, big problems.”
