Old Firm Derby: Police Face Criticism Over Fan Safety & Segregation Issues
The aftermath of Sunday’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox continues to reverberate, with fallout extending beyond the pitch and into the stands and the realm of policing. Celtic secured a 4-2 penalty shootout victory after a goalless draw, but the result was overshadowed by significant disorder, leading to nine arrests and condemnation from all levels of Scottish football and government.
Police Scotland has confirmed a “robust investigation” is underway, focusing not only on the pitch invasion itself – from supporters of both Celtic and Rangers – but also on reports of fans entering the Broomloan Road stand without tickets prior to kickoff. Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen described the behavior of some supporters as “shameful,” stating it “must be condemned by everyone involved in football and wider society.” The investigation will involve reviewing CCTV footage and collaborating with both clubs.
The scenes at Ibrox have prompted criticism of Police Scotland’s handling of the event, particularly regarding security measures and segregation of fans. Both the Rangers Fan Advisory Board and the Rangers Supporters’ Association have voiced concerns over what they describe as Celtic fans “storming the turnstiles before the match” and the “chronic lack of segregation on Helen Street” before and after the game. These groups are calling for action to address perceived failures in policing and security protocols.
On the Celtic side, the Celtic Fans Collective has raised concerns about the treatment of visiting supporters on their approach to Ibrox, including issues with bus parking and access through the turnstiles. They have also called for a review of the role of Mark Hargreaves, Celtic’s head of safety, security and operations, citing his “absence on the day” as a point of concern. The Collective is demanding action from both Police Scotland and the club to improve the experience for travelling fans.
The need for improved engagement between the clubs and their supporters, particularly with “ultra” groups, has been highlighted by Police Scotland Chief Inspector Emma Croft. Croft believes that Rangers and Celtic need to establish clearer ground rules and boundaries regarding acceptable fan behavior. This suggests a potential shift towards a more proactive approach to managing supporter conduct, involving direct dialogue and collaboration.
The impact of the disorder extended beyond the professional players and officials. Brian Graham, a striker for Falkirk, recounted a deeply unsettling experience after taking his 10-year-old son to his first Old Firm match. Describing the scenes at the end of the game as “absolutely horrific,” Graham admitted it was “one of the worst decisions of his life,” highlighting the distressing impact the violence had on innocent bystanders.
The Scottish FA has launched its own investigation into the events at Ibrox, adding another layer of scrutiny to the incident. First Minister John Swinney has also weighed in, describing the scenes as “completely and utterly unacceptable” and offering his full support to the police in their efforts to identify and prosecute those involved. The level of political attention underscores the seriousness with which the disorder is being taken.
Amidst the fallout from the Old Firm clash, there was a more positive development for another Scottish club. Clyde FC are reportedly close to securing a return to their spiritual home in Glasgow, with talks ongoing regarding the Stepford Football Centre. The Clyde FC Community Foundation has revealed that a deal could be finalized soon, offering a potential boost for the club and its supporters.
The events at Ibrox raise fundamental questions about safety and security at high-profile football matches in Scotland. The criticisms leveled at Police Scotland, coupled with the calls for improved fan engagement from both clubs, suggest a need for a comprehensive review of existing protocols. The investigations launched by the police and the Scottish FA will be crucial in determining the extent of the failings and identifying the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The focus now shifts to accountability and ensuring a safer environment for all supporters attending Old Firm derbies and other major sporting events.
, Rangers boss Danny Röhl condemned the pitch invasion, while Celtic manager Martin O’Neill expressed concern that the fan behavior could overshadow his team’s victory. The Scottish FA released a statement confirming an immediate investigation into the disorder.