A Police Scotland officer sustained injuries during Sunday's Old Firm match at Ibrox, with authorities confirming that a 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with the assault. The Premier Sports Cup quarter-final saw Rangers emerge victorious with a 3-0 scoreline, though the fixture was marked by a small number of disciplinary incidents.
Four arrests were made across the course of the match. In addition to the suspect detained for assaulting the officer, a 55-year-old was apprehended for sectarian abuse, a 25-year-old for breach of the peace, and a 27-year-old for threatening and abusive behaviour alongside resisting arrest. According to reporting on the incident, all four cases have been referred to the procurator fiscal for prosecution consideration.
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan acknowledged that the match, which commenced at 12:00, proceeded without major disruption. He commended the conduct of the vast majority of supporters throughout the day, while condemning the minority who engaged in unacceptable behaviour.
"A small number of offences were detected during the course of the event. These included one instance of police assault and a separate incident involving sectarian abuse. Behaviour such as this is never acceptable and will not be tolerated."
The fixture took place under a temporary arrangement that excluded away supporters from attending. This decision followed a comprehensive independent review commissioned by the Scottish FA into disorder that marred the Scottish Cup quarter-final between the same clubs on 8 March. That earlier encounter at Ibrox was characterised by pitch incursions from supporters of both teams, resulting in injuries to officers and stewards. Away fans have been excluded from Old Firm derbies this season as a consequence of the March disorder, which triggered wider investigations by both police and football authorities.
The March incident led to formal charges against both Rangers and Celtic by the Scottish FA, with disciplinary hearings scheduled for 13 August. Police Scotland has already made more than 37 arrests in connection with the separate March 2026 Ibrox pitch-invasion case, demonstrating the scale of disorder that prompted the current restrictions on away attendance.
What happens next in the competition?
Rangers will progress to the semi-finals to face Aberdeen, while Hearts will contest the other semi-final against Hibernian. The final is scheduled for 13 December at Hampden Park. The suspects arrested during Sunday's match will now enter the prosecution process following their referral to the procurator fiscal, with the force indicating that further action will be determined through that channel.
Key Facts:
- Four arrests were made during the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ibrox on Sunday, including one for assaulting a police officer
- A 55-year-old was arrested for sectarian abuse, a 25-year-old for breach of the peace, and a 27-year-old for threatening and abusive behaviour while resisting arrest
- The match operated under a temporary arrangement excluding away supporters, implemented following disorder at the March 2026 Scottish Cup quarter-final between the same clubs
- All four suspects have been reported to the procurator fiscal for prosecution consideration
- Rangers defeated Celtic 3-0 and will face Aberdeen in the semi-finals, with Hearts playing Hibernian in the other semi-final
