Hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage was caused to Ibrox as a result of the sickening crowd disorder which broke out following the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic this afternoon, it has emerged.
Hundreds of away fans, who had been given 7,500 tickets for the Broomloan Stand for the first time in eight years, invaded the pitch following the Parkhead club’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over their city rivals and trampled LED advertising hoardings.
Graffiti mocking the victims of the 1971 Ibrox disaster was also daubed on the walls of the stand.
Officials at the Glasgow club were alarmed that hundreds of the defending Scottish champions’ supporters tried to gain entry to the ground using counterfeit tickets and that others forced their way in through disabled access gates before kick-off.
Read more:
- Violence flares at Ibrox as Celtic stun Rangers with penalty shootout cup triumph
- Ibrox pitch invaders armed with items 'to cause harm', police say as arrests made
- LOOK: Striking photos capture pitch invasion chaos after Old Firm Scottish Cup tie
It has emerged that a tifo which members of the Green Brigade ultras group – who are currently banned from attending Celtic games both home and away by their club – were prevented from bringing into the stadium was set on fire in the car park.
Rangers are believed to be deeply concerned about the major role which their fans played in the shocking scenes of affray that erupted after the last eight fixture ended and intend to cooperate fully with the SFA and Police Scotland during the investigations which will now be carried out.
Hundreds of the Ibrox club’s fans invaded the pitch following their side’s painful defeat and ran the entire length of the park so they could confront their jubilant counterparts.
Celtic players and a member of their coaching staff were physically accosted as they made their way up the tunnel, lit flares and bottles were thrown into the Broomloan Stand, fights broke out and injuries sustained before police officers and stewards managed to restore order.
Police Scotland 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."
Read more:
- I'm an ex-Rangers star - disgraceful scenes made it a sad day for Scottish football
- Scottish Cup semi-final draw LIVE: Final four to discover huge Hampden ties
- Scottish FA launch instant investigation after Rangers vs Celtic pitch invasion chaos
An SFA statement read, "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. An investigation will be carried out immediately in line with the Judicial Panel Protocol."
Rangers manager Danny Rohl did not see the trouble which flared when tensions boiled over after the final whistle because he was back in the home dressing room – but he expressed his disappointment at what he had been told happened.
“I was not on the pitch in this moment,” he said. “I didn't see it until now. I heard just that there was something on the pitch. I think we all know the emotional situation after a game.
“Nobody likes to see this. I think it was a great atmosphere, 120 minutes. I think it should be like this. All the other things should not be in the stadium or around football.”
Rangers and Celtic have both been approached for comment.
