Police and stewards forcibly removed a fan who had invaded the Ibrox pitch. (Image: PA)
Rangers have vowed to identify the troublemakers who caused the chaos during Sunday’s Old Firm pitch invasion and condemn those who made fun of the Ibrox disaster. The Ger family ended their silence on Thursday night as they condemned the horrifying scenes between both supporters after Celtic’s Scottish Cup penalty shoot-out win.
They have backed calls for a full independent investigation after a violent pitch invasion left fans scuffled and police officers and stewards injured. Projectiles, including flares, were also thrown into the stands, and away fans without tickets were able to break through the turnstiles and push past security guards.
Significant damage was also recorded at the Broome Lawn Stand, which housed more than 7,500 Celtic supporters, with many seats destroyed and vile graffiti scrawled on the walls mocking the tragic 1971 incident in which 66 fans died.
This time, Rangers have finally released a response, insisting that “a story that takes the full context of what happened is unacceptable”.
In a statement, the club said: “Following the events of Sunday’s Scottish Cup match at Ibrox, we have been in discussions with staff, supporter groups and relevant authorities in recent days and will continue to work closely with Police Scotland, Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Football Association and the Safety Advisory Group in the coming weeks.”
“The disruption that occurred on Sunday is unacceptable and we condemn it unequivocally. In football, safety must always be paramount for supporters, players and everyone working during and around matches. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the many staff, stewards and emergency services who worked in extremely difficult conditions that day.”
“There are currently a number of serious issues that require a proper investigation. We therefore agree that there should be a fully independent investigation into the events surrounding the match. That investigation must be thorough and wide-ranging, examining the decisions and actions of all parties involved.”
“That scope must include the broader context of this match, from the initial decision on ticket allocation to the sequence of events following the match. All parties must be prepared to have their actions and decisions subject to appropriate scrutiny.”
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Scotland’s most senior police officer, Joe Farrell, criticized the disruption this week and urged clubs to “eliminate” ultra groups such as the Union Bears and Green Brigade as investigations into their involvement in the violent clashes continue.
Rangers were disappointed by the Ibrox action. (Image: Getty Images)
Rangers said those responsible would be banned from the stadium, but vowed to protect the reputation of the club’s supporters by insisting on a fair process.
The statement added: “If an individual is identified and found guilty of a match-related offense, the club will take action and impose appropriate sanctions, including the revocation of ticket sales privileges and banning of entry to the stadium.”
“We will approach all regulatory engagements responsibly and co-operate fully with them once the facts are established. At the same time, we will represent the club and supporters well. We recognize that many fans would like the club to have more say at this stage and supporters should be reassured that we are aware of the details of the issues being discussed and the questions being raised.”
“However, it is important that we respect the ongoing investigative and judicial processes and refrain from taking any action that might undermine them. There will be an appropriate time to fully address these issues.”
“What I can say now is that the issue of stadium safety and the legacy of the Ibrox disaster is deeply personal to this club. I was appalled to discover graffiti within the stadium that referred to that tragedy. 66 who lost his life in January 1971. The memory of people’s supporters deserves dignity and respect. To desecrate their memory is despicable. This is not a football rivalry or a joke.
“Finally, it is important that the reputation of Rangers supporters is treated fairly in this debate. Tens of thousands of people attended Ibrox on Sunday just to proudly support their team and watch the football match. A narrative that completely ignores what happened is unacceptable. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time.”
Celtic have yet to comment.
An SFA spokesperson added: “The Scottish FA can confirm that its Compliance Officer is collating evidence from the weekend’s derby match at Ibrox Stadium. If a breach is suspected, the relevant parties will be notified in accordance with judicial panel protocol.”
“Furthermore, following consultation with stakeholders, the Scottish Football Association will be commissioning an independent review of the matchday safety and security operations for this Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter-final match.
“This review aims to provide recommendations to all parties to ensure that the events that have tarnished the image and reputation of the game are not repeated.”
