Celtic and Rangers cited after Ibrox unrest review
12 reported
Rangers and Celtic face disciplinary charges from the Scottish FA following a review of unrest after their Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox in March. The review warns the scenes "came within a very small margin of becoming a violent mass confrontation." Both clubs are accused of breaching rule 37, which covers "good order and security" and "unacceptable conduct." The charges relate to events after Celtic won on penalties, when visiting fans spilled onto the pitch and home supporters tried to confront them, with fireworks thrown. At least 37 people have been arrested, and injuries were reported among police and stewards. The clubs face hearings on 13 August. The review also calls for stronger sanctions, including stadium closures, and describes the SFA as "too modest and too inconsistent."
What’s reported
Rangers and Celtic face identical disciplinary notices from the Scottish FA over unrest after their Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox in March.
The independent review states the scenes "came within a very small margin of becoming a violent mass confrontation."
Both clubs are accused of breaching SFA rule 37, which covers "good order and security" and "unacceptable conduct."
The trouble occurred after Celtic won on penalties on 8 March, with visiting fans spilling onto the pitch and home supporters trying to confront them.
Fireworks were thrown back and forth during the clashes.
At least 37 people have been arrested, and injuries were reported among police and stewards.
The clubs face hearings on 13 August.
The review says a "crushing incident was a real and foreseeable risk" due to "non-compliant Ultra group fans surging past police and stewards."
The review calls for stronger sanctions, including stadium and stand closures, and describes the SFA as "too modest and too inconsistent."
Rangers say they raised safety concerns but "were left in no doubt that the competition rule (on ticketing) would be applied."
Celtic interim chairman Brian Wilson described the initial incursion by a "small number" as "non-violent" and "not, in itself, a major or threatening incident."
Wilson said actions by a section of the home support, "some of them masked and carrying weapons," were "deeply concerning."
Key figures
Mark Blackbourne (lead author of the review)
Brian Wilson (Celtic interim chairman)
Ian Maxwell (Scottish FA chief executive)
Sources: BBC News
