What Rangers and Celtic said as silence broken on Ibrox chaos as SFA launch investigation
Statements released by both sides of Old Firm
The Scottish Football Association has launched an independent review into the crowd disorder at last Sunday’s Old Firm derby - with both Rangers and Celtic releasing statements on the ugly scenes at Ibrox.
Supporters from both clubs spilled on to the pitch after Celtic defeated Rangers 4-2 on penalties at Ibrox. Fans clashed on the playing surface and pyrotechnics were thrown as police and stewards attempted to restore order. Nine arrests were made and the “appalling” incidents have been widely condemned across Scottish society.
Visiting fans were also recorded on camera storming an entrance at Ibrox before the match, while vile messages mocking the Ibrox disaster were scrawled across walls in the Broomloan Stand.
The SFA’s compliance officer has begun collating evidence from the match and “alleged breaches will be notified to relevant parties in line with the Judicial Panel Protocol”. A statement from the governing body added “this review will seek to provide recommendations for all parties to ensure no repeat of the events that have tarnished the image and reputation of the game”.
Both Rangers and Celtic broke their silence on the matter on Thursday evening. The Ibrox side welcomes the review and also strongly criticised the Celtic supporters who vandalised areas of the Broomloan Stand, while Celtic chairman Brian Wilson said in a club address that he was disappointed by comments made by Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Jo Farrell, who slammed both outfits for not condemning the violent scenes. He also welcomed the SFA probe.
Wilson told Celtic TV: "My response very much is that I was disappointed by the comments of the Chief Constable because Celtic work very closely with Police Scotland.
"We respect the role of the Safety Advisory Group and when there is evidence of unacceptable behaviours we act against both individuals and groups and all of that is well on the record.
"I think that measuring responses by condemnatory statements isn't really very accurate. If this could be resolved by statements of condemnation, it would have been resolved decades ago. Really, it is actions that matter and the way we, as a club, handle these experiences and the way others handle these experiences.
"I think if you are going to ask for condemnation you have to be more specific and there are certainly things which I would happily condemn and regret but probably the highest profile aspect of this was after the penalty went in and Celtic had won.
"What you had there was a euphoric response from our supporters. It's not uncommon. In fact, it's happened on quite numerous occasions this season alone in Scottish football where you have an overspill onto the pitch and that in itself does not normally draw expressions of condemnation.
"Therefore, what I would say about that is that I welcome SFA's intention to have a full enquiry so let's look at the evidence.If there is evidence of violence or threats of violence, then of course I will condemn that but let's look at the evidence before we create a false narrative."
Wilson also confirmed that Celtic have held positive talks with the currently banned Green Brigade fan group and they will be permitted entry back into Celtic Park should they agree to safety measures required by Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council.
Across the city, Rangers released a 473-word statement that read: “Following the events of Sunday’s Scottish Cup fixture at Ibrox, we have spent the past few days in discussions with our staff, supporter groups and the relevant authorities, and we will continue to work closely with Police Scotland, Glasgow City Council, the Scottish FA and the Safety Advisory Group in the weeks ahead.
“The disorder that occurred on Sunday was unacceptable and we condemn it unequivocally. Safety must always come first in football, for supporters, players and everyone working in and around the game. We also want to recognise the efforts of the many staff, stewards and emergency services who operated in extremely difficult circumstances on the day.
“There are now a number of serious issues which require proper examination. For that reason, we agree that there should be a fully independent review into the events surrounding the match. That review must be thorough and wide-ranging, examining the decisions and actions of all relevant parties. Its scope must include the broader context around this fixture, from the initial decisions on ticket allocations through to the sequence of incidents that followed the match. All parties must be prepared to have their actions and decision-making subjected to proper scrutiny.
“Where individuals are identified and convicted of offences connected to the match, the club will take action and impose appropriate sanctions, including the potential withdrawal of ticketing privileges and stadium bans.
“We will approach all regulatory engagement responsibly and cooperate fully with the authorities as the facts are established. At the same time, we will represent the club and our supporters robustly. We recognise that many fans want the club to say more at this stage, and supporters should be assured that we are across the detail of the issues being discussed and the questions being raised. However, it is important that we respect any ongoing investigative or judicial processes and do nothing that could prejudice them. There will be an appropriate time to address those matters fully.
“What we can say now is that issues of stadium safety and the legacy of the Ibrox Disaster are deeply personal to this club. We were appalled to discover graffiti within the stadium referencing that tragedy. The memory of the 66 supporters who lost their lives in January 1971 deserves dignity and respect. To desecrate their memory is vile. It is cowardly. It is shameful. This is not football rivalry and it is not banter. It is the abuse of a tragedy that claimed 66 lives.
“Finally, it is important that the reputation of Rangers supporters is treated fairly in this discussion. Tens of thousands of people attended Ibrox on Sunday simply to support their team with pride and to watch a football match. We will not accept a narrative that ignores the full context of what happened.
“For now it would not be appropriate to comment further.”
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