SFA launches investigation after Rangers and Celtic fans invade pitch at Ibrox

The Scottish Football Association has launched an investigation after supporters invaded the pitch at Ibrox at Sunday’s Old Firm.

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

Celtic secured a 4-2 shoot-out victory after a goalless draw before dozens of fans spilled onto the pitch.

This sparked an invasion from hundreds of Rangers fans on the opposite end who were able to breach the stewarding.

Flares and other objects were thrown as police and stewards moved to form a barrier.

There were pockets of violence visible. Reports of injuries have yet to be confirmed.

Police were able to form human barriers on both ends of the pitch and moved fans back towards their stands.

In around ten minutes, the disorder settled down, and Rangers fans left the stadium. The Celtic supporters were held back inside Ibrox.

The Old Firm match was the first time Celtic fans had returned to Ibrox in large numbers since 2018.

Around 7,500 away supporters were in the Broomloan Stand.

STV News has asked both clubs for statements.

Police Scotland’s Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen said: “The behaviour of a number of supporters at the Scottish Cup quarter final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox today was shameful. It must 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 a robust investigation following the scenes on the pitch at the conclusion of the match.

“Officers and stewards were faced with extreme hostility and violence over a sustained period, with many individuals having armed themselves with items clearly intended to cause harm. Officers and members of the public have been injured in this despicable display and I want to express my thanks to all officers and staff deployed.

“The investigation will also include the actions of some supporters who entered the Broomloan Road stand without tickets before the match started, forcing delays in the security operation and the turnstiles to be 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 get in touch with Police Scotland on 101.”

Former Scotland international Charlie Adam, speaking on talkSPORT, said: “It’s a disgrace.

“It’s a sad day for Scottish football. For the Old Firm that we talk about being our leadership teams and (what) they represent, it’s an embarrassment for our game.

“And as a national team we’re trying to improve and we’re trying to get better. But these two clubs have let us down as a nation and they have to have a look at themselves today.

“Both football clubs have to look at themselves because they are the standard-bearers for us as football clubs and they have, both (sets of) supporters have let themselves down.

“It’s an embarrassment for Scottish football. This should not be happening. In this day and age this should not be happening and we have to get control of it quickly because if it doesn’t it’ll keep escalating and escalating and there’ll be big, big problems.”

Following the match, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) said it was investigating.

“The Scottish FA condemns the behaviour from supporters entering the field of play following today’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final at Ibrox Stadium,” a spokesperson said.

“An investigation will be carried out immediately in line with the Judicial Panel Protocol.”