Police Chief Calls Out Celtic and Rangers for Ignoring Old Firm Violence
Scotland's top police officer has publicly criticized Rangers and Celtic for their silence regarding the violent incidents that erupted after the Old Firm match at Ibrox on Sunday. The clashes resulted in injuries to both fans and police officers, with several arrests made following the chaotic scenes that unfolded after Celtic's penalty shootout victory. During a Scottish Parliament session on Wednesday, she emphasized the urgent need for both clubs to take a stand against such violence to ensure the safety of match attendees. The Scottish Football Association quickly condemned the incidents in a statement issued shortly after the game, announcing an immediate investigation into the events. Key points from the police chief's address include: Celtic and Rangers have remained largely silent about the violence witnessed. Increased resources around football matches would not address the root causes of such disorder. She labeled the scenes as "absolutely disgraceful" and condemned the individuals involved. The aftermath of the match saw a 47-year-old man charged with assaulting a coach and player, while a 54-year-old man faced charges for assaulting a police officer. Additional charges were made against three men (aged 20, 23, and 54) for their involvement in a serious assault on a man on Helen Street post-match. Notably, a 10-year-old boy was injured after being struck by a coin during the disturbances, and police investigations are currently ongoing regarding instances of vandalism and graffiti related to the incident.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-03-11