Celtic beat Rangers on penalties in the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox after a goalless 120 minutes, but the match was overshadowed by pitch invasions from both sets of supporters.
The Scottish FA has condemned the post-match incidents that overshadowed the Old Firm Scottish Cup encounter – and has initiated an inquiry that could result in severe sanctions for both clubs.
Celtic progressed from the quarter-final on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes, with Tomas Cvancara’s crucial spot-kick triggering chaotic celebrations in the Broomloan End, which housed 7,500 visiting supporters for the first occasion in eight years.
However, the behaviour that ensued may mean it becomes the final time for the considerable future. Celtic supporters flooded onto the pitch in celebration and were confronted by a counter-invasion from the Rangers section, threatening to spiral into the kind of disorder that followed the infamous 1980 Scottish Cup Final.
Police stepped in and managed to restore control, but not before violent clashes erupted, with a member of Celtic’s backroom staff reportedly assaulted by a pitch invader.
The SFA has now strongly criticised both sets of supporters and launched an investigation that could see both clubs face substantial penalties, reports the Daily Record.
Their statement read: “The Scottish FA condemns the behaviour from supporters entering the field of play following today’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final at Ibrox Stadium. An investigation will be carried out immediately in line with the Judicial Panel Protocol.”