Scottish FA reveal who will conduct review into Rangers v Celtic Scottish Cup disorder

The Scottish Football Association has appointed an independent lead to review the disorder that marred the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox last month.

The review is being led by Durham-based sports event consultant Mark Blackbourne after supporters clashed from both sides clashed on the pitch following Celtic's penalty shoot-out victory on March 8.

Celtic fans were also filmed storming a turnstile ahead of kick-off while images surfaced online of offensive graffiti relating to the 1971 Ibrox disaster sprayed on walls inside the away stand. Police Scotland made a number of arrests after revealing that officers were subjected to “extreme hostility and violence”.

A flare is thrown towards police and stewards as trouble flares after Celtic's Scottish Cup quarter-final win over Rangers at Ibrox. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group

It followed a decision to increase the Celtic ticket allocation to 7,000 due to SFA rules which state away teams are entitled to request up to 20 per cent of the total stadium capacity for Scottish Cup matches.

The review is already underway after representatives from Celtic, Rangers, the SFA and Police Scotland were summoned to a Hampden summit with Blackbourne.

A statement from Scottish football's governing body read: "The review will seek to establish the facts surrounding what happened during the day of the match, both within Ibrox Stadium and the surrounding area, including examining events and decisions made in advance of, during and following the match, with a view to identifying lessons learnt and making recommendations to avoid a repeat of similar scenes at other fixtures with a similar risk profile.

“The review will be led by Mark Blackbourne, a vastly experienced sports event consultant who continues to lead on match operations at major club and international competitions under UEFA and FIFA jurisdiction.

"The review process commenced with a meeting of all relevant parties at Barclays Hampden, convened by the Independent Lead, including the respective clubs, Police Scotland and representatives from the Scottish FA."

A spokesman for Rangers said: "We welcome the appointment of an independent lead and will work constructively with all involved to support a full and fair examination of events leading up to, and including, the game on the 8th of March."