Rangers and Celtic to play Scottish Cup games behind closed doors after fan disorder

Rangers and Celtic have been ordered to play their next Scottish Cup games behind closed doors as a result of fan disorder at Ibrox in March.

Fans clashed on the Ibrox pitch after Celtic secured a 4-2 shoot-out victory over Rangers in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup on penalties.

Police have made 37 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.

A recent report by the Scottish Football Association following the incident found that “life-threatening” violence could have unfolded in the four minutes and 28 seconds it took for police to re-establish control after the disorder broke out.

Now, both clubs have been ordered to play their next Scottish Cup home games behind closed doors.

They will also need to pay the visiting team £100,000 for loss of ticket sale revenue.

Payment will have to be made within 30 days of completion of the match.

Both clubs have the right to appeal.

A report by the SFA on the disorder found that Celtic Ultras were the first to enter the pitch “in jubilation”, with others following their lead.

The Union Bears were described as following in behaviour described as “reactionary, confrontational, and overtly threatening”.

It added: “The post-match pitch invasion by several hundred Celtic supporters was wholly inexcusable. It provoked an immediate hostile response from sections of the home support, who forced past stewards and police to reach the pitch.”

Among the disorder, a flare was thrown between the two groups six times, with one striking an RFC security operative and a CCTV operator.

The stand manager was found to have been confronted by a masked Rangers fan – assumed to be an Ultra group member – and hit in the face and hospitalised. The employee is receiving ongoing treatment for the inner ear following a traumatic injury.

Celtic said in a statement: “‘We are shocked by this disproportionate punishment for a relatively small incursion by Celtic supporters at a moment of emotion and celebration.

“Our club has never defended supporters entering the field of play and we have repeatedly taken action when it occurs.

“However, we understand the part emotion plays in football and would have expected the context and distinction in behaviours to have been taken into account by the Panel.

“Another important distinction is that, on this occasion, Celtic were not the home club, responsible for stadium safety arrangements.

“We will study the panel’s report and reasoning when it is available and will thereafter consider our next steps.”