Rangers & Celtic react to Old Firm fan disorder

Rangers have “unequivocally” condemned Sunday’s Old Firm fan disorder, while Celtic say “examples of unacceptable behaviour” must be addressed.

Supporters and police officers were injured, and a number of people have been arrested following clashes between fans on the pitch after Celtic’s penalty shootout win.

The Scottish FA has launched an independent review of the Scottish Cup quarter-final tie at Ibrox, which has been welcomed by both clubs.

The SFA hope the review will “ensure no repeat” of what unfolded, which they say “tarnished the image and reputation of the game”.

Rangers and Celtic have both raised concerns about narratives being created, with the Ibrox club saying it will not accept one that “ignores the full context of what happened”.

Meanwhile, Celtic interim chairman Brian Wilson said evidence must be provided “before we create a false narrative”.

Wilson added that he was “disappointed” by comments from Police Scotland chief constable Jo Farrell, who accused both clubs of failing to condemn the violent post-match scenes that broke out.

“If you’re going to ask for condemnation, you have to be more specific,” Wilson told Celtic TV. “There were certainly things I would happily condemn and regret.

“Probably the highest profile aspect of this was after the game. What you had was a euphoric response from our supporters – it’s not uncommon – where you have an overspill on to the pitch.

Rangers say “all parties must be prepared to have their actions and decision-making subjected to proper scrutiny”, with Celtic referencing “serious concerns” raised by supporters about pre-match access arrangements.

The Ibrox club have called for the review to be “thorough and wide-ranging” and to “include the broader context” around the match, from initial decisions on ticket allocation through to the post-match incidents.

Their statement adds: “The disorder that occurred on Sunday was unacceptable and we condemn it unequivocally. Safety must always come first in football, for supporters, players and everyone working in and around the game.

“There are now a number of serious issues which require proper examination. For that reason, we agree that there should be a fully independent review into the events surrounding the match.”

Rangers have vowed to represent the club and their supporters “robustly” but say they will take action – “including the potential withdrawal of ticketing privileges and stadium bans” – against anyone identified and convicted.

The club also say they are “appalled” to discover graffiti mocking the Ibrox disaster, which claimed the lives of 66 supporters in January 1971.