Arrests Made After Disorder at Scottish Cup Quarter-Final
Nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the disorder that occurred during the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday.
A 47-year-old man has been arrested and charged with assaults on both a coach and a player after fans invaded the pitch at the conclusion of the game. Additionally, a 54-year-old man has been charged with assaulting a police officer.
Three other men, aged 20, 23, and 54, have been arrested and charged in relation to the serious assault of a man on Helen Street following the match. All those arrested are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Police Scotland reported that multiple arrests were made concerning abuse directed at officers, as well as charges related to culpable and reckless conduct. An ongoing investigation is also examining incidents of vandalism, graffiti, and the throwing of pyrotechnics within the stadium.
Several police officers and fans sustained injuries during the disturbances, including a 10-year-old boy who was struck by a coin.
Neither Rangers nor Celtic have released statements regarding the disorder that took place during the Old Firm fixture.
Celtic secured victory in the match by winning 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes of play.
Sequence of Events During the Disorder
Fans supporting the visiting team initially encroached onto the playing area from the Broomloan Road end. Stewards attempted to guide these supporters back to their seats. Subsequently, home supporters entered the pitch to confront the visiting fans, which led to clashes between the groups.
Several supporters wearing blue balaclavas were observed running back toward the Copland Road end while flares and other objects were thrown between the two sets of fans before security personnel could clear the pitch.
Police Response and Investigation
Glasgow divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Emma Croft, characterized the scenes as "disgraceful" and described the fans' behaviour as "unacceptable and shameful."
A special policing team has been established to investigate the disorder associated with the match. Furthermore, an online major incident portal has been created to enable the public to submit information, images, and footage to detectives.
"No one should have to face such extreme levels of violence and hostility, and those responsible will be identified and face the consequences."
"It begs the question, does someone need to be critically injured or worse before this behaviour is treated with the seriousness it deserves?"
"I want to give my assurance that our investigation will be very thorough, and further arrests will be made in due course."
Chief Superintendent Croft also issued a direct message to those involved in the disorder:
"For those involved in this kind of disorder, the message is simple: it is not a question of if, but when we will identify and come looking for you."
