Rangers break silence on 'unacceptable' Old Firm disorder

Rangers have broken their silence on the “unacceptable” disorder seen at the Old Firm derby last weekend.

Fans clashed on the field after Celtic knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup on penalties.

Dozens of Celtic fans ran onto the pitch in celebration, followed by hundreds of Rangers fans who were able to breach the stewards.

Police have so far confirmed nine arrests following the violence, which saw officers, supporters, members of coaching staff, and players assaulted.

A ten-year-old child was also struck by a coin as items, including pyrotechnics, were thrown by supporters.

Scotland’s top police officer slammed both clubs for failing to condemn the violence and disorder earlier this week.

Chief constable Jo Farrell added that the force would “identify those involved and come after them”.

‘We condemn it unequivocally’

The Police stand in a line to stop and block fans getting onto the pitch on Sunday. SNS Group

On Thursday, Rangers said they agreed that a full independent review into the events surrounding the match should be conducted.

The Ibrox side warned of sanctions, potential withdrawal of ticketing privileges and stadium bans should individuals be identified and convicted of offences connected to the match.

The club said in a statement: “The disorder that occurred on Sunday was unacceptable and we condemn it unequivocally. Safety must always come first in football, for supporters, players and everyone working in and around the game.

“What we can say now is that issues of stadium safety and the legacy of the Ibrox Disaster are deeply personal to this club.

“We were appalled to discover graffiti within the stadium referencing that tragedy. The memory of the 66 supporters who lost their lives in January 1971 deserves dignity and respect.

“To desecrate their memory is vile. It is cowardly. It is shameful. This is not football rivalry and it is not banter. It is the abuse of a tragedy that claimed 66 lives.

“Finally, it is important that the reputation of Rangers supporters is treated fairly in this discussion. Tens of thousands of people attended Ibrox on Sunday simply to support their team with pride and to watch a football match. We will not accept a narrative that ignores the full context of what happened.”

Celtic and Rangers to face off again

The teams are due to face off again in the post-Premiership split next month, but the allocation of away fans will be smaller than that of Sunday’s Scottish Cup game.

7,500 away tickets were given to Celtic for Sunday’s match at Ibrox to comply with Scottish Cup rules.

However, police have now said that it is “unlikely” that an allocation of the same size seen on Sunday would be allowed unless significant action and conversations are had between police, clubs, the SFA and the local authority.

Three men, aged 54, 23 and 20, were arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault of a man on Helen Street following the match.

Officers confirmed on Monday that a 47-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an assault on a coach and player at the end of the match. He was released to appear at a later date.

There were also other arrests in relation to a number of offences, including abuse towards officers and culpable and reckless conduct.

Vandalism and graffiti within the stadium are also being investigated after the Broomloan Stand at Ibrox was defaced.

The SFA confirmed on Thursday that the compliance officer is collating evidence from the game to assess any alleged breaches.

The governing body added: “This review will seek to provide recommendations for all parties to ensure no repeat of the events that have tarnished the image and reputation of the game.”

Rangers and Celtic were both contacted for comment by STV News following the game.