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Dozens of Celtic supporters invaded the pitch after their 4-2 victory, triggering a response from hundreds of Rangers fans who attempted to confront them.
News18
Yet again, there were scenes of clamour at Ibrox as Celtic got the better of Glaswegian rivals Rangers 4-2 on penalties in the Scottish Cup quarter-final on Sunday after the game ended 0-0 after extra time as dozens of Celtic supporters invaded the pitch after their 4-2 victory, triggering a response from hundreds of Rangers fans who attempted to confront them. Missiles and fireworks were thrown, and insults exchanged, until police and stewards managed to form a barrier.
The Scottish Football Association initiated an investigation following a pitch battle between the fans of the Glaswegian rivals, which resulted in injuries to police officers.
Police arrested a man after Celtic players, including Tomas Cvancara, rushed to the scene of an incident involving a Celtic staff member who seemed to be confronted by a Rangers supporter. Cvancara, later interviewed on television with bloodstains on his kit, witnessed Celtic right-back Julian Araujo being pushed by a Rangers fan.
The SFA condemned the “behaviour from supporters entering the field of play” and announced an investigation in accordance with the Judicial Panel Protocol.
Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen of Police Scotland described the rioting as shameful and called for it to be condemned by everyone involved in football and wider society. She reported that several arrests had been made and expressed gratitude to the officers and staff who faced extreme hostility and violence, noting that many individuals had armed themselves with harmful items.
The incident occurred during the first Old Firm derby in nearly a decade to feature a large allocation of tickets for away fans. Following numerous clashes in previous meetings, away supporters were banned in 2023 but were allowed back on a reduced basis last year. Celtic had received fewer than 1,000 tickets for games at Rangers since 2018, with the Scottish Cup tie serving as a test for greater numbers of away fans.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill commented on the incident involving his staff member, expressing disappointment if the celebrations had gone too far. Despite failing to register a single shot on target in 120 minutes, his team moved into the semi-finals. In the shoot-out, Rangers captain James Tavernier hit the bar with the first penalty before Djeidi Gassama missed. Cvancara scored to secure Celtic’s victory, followed by chaos.
O’Neill remarked that Old Firm games are always explosive and hoped the incidents wouldn’t overshadow their performance.
Rangers manager Danny Rohl stated he was unaware of the events on the pitch at the time, acknowledging the intense emotions following the game. Despite 24 shots and a disallowed goal due to a handball by Emmanuel Fernandez in extra time, Rangers fell short against their rivals. This defeat was particularly disheartening after they squandered a two-goal half-time lead in their 2-2 draw with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox the previous weekend.
(With Inputs From Agencies)
United Kingdom (UK)
March 09, 2026, 10:01 IST
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