Fiery Old Firm Clash Marred By Crowd Trouble

Celtic secured a dramatic place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals after defeating Rangers on penalties in a tense Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Sunday, with the match overshadowed by chaotic scenes involving supporters at the final whistle.

The quarter-final clash finished goalless after 120 minutes before Celtic held their nerve in the shootout, converting all four of their spot-kicks to seal progression to the last four of the competition. The victory ensures Celtic will feature in the semi-final draw later on Sunday.

Despite the result, Rangers had controlled large spells of the encounter but were unable to break down a resolute Celtic defence. The match produced few clear chances, though both sides saw goals ruled out during the contest.

Celtic thought they had taken the lead in normal time when Daizen Maeda headed into the net, but the effort was disallowed for an earlier offside in the build-up. Rangers were later denied in extra time when Emmanuel Fernandez saw his goal ruled out after the ball was judged to have struck his hand.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the match went to penalties where Celtic proved flawless from the spot, dispatching each of their four attempts to clinch victory and knock their fierce rivals out of the competition.

However, the final whistle sparked ugly scenes at Ibrox as supporters from both clubs entered the pitch, prompting a police response and a subsequent investigation.

In a statement following the match, Police Scotland strongly condemned the behaviour of some supporters during and after the fixture.

Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen described the incidents as “shameful” and confirmed that arrests had already been made.

“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,” Stephen said.

Police confirmed that officers and stewards faced sustained hostility and violence during the disorder, with some individuals allegedly armed with items intended to cause harm. Both officers and members of the public were reported injured during the incidents.

Authorities also revealed that their investigation will include events before kick-off, after some supporters reportedly entered the Broomloan Road stand without tickets. The situation forced a delay to stadium security procedures and led to turnstiles being temporarily closed.

Police Scotland have urged anyone with information about the disorder before, during, or after the match to come forward as the investigation continues.

While Celtic celebrated a hard-fought victory that keeps their Scottish Cup hopes alive, the scenes that followed the final whistle threaten to overshadow what was already a fiercely contested Old Firm encounter.

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