Police Scotland has launched an investigation into violent disorder at last weekend's Premier Sports Cup semi-finals at Hampden, where officers were attacked with fireworks, glass bottles and missiles.
The violence broke out before the Rangers v Aberdeen match on Saturday, October 31, as rival fans gathered in the Curtis Avenue area of Glasgow ahead of the 5.30pm kick-off. Several officers were assaulted during the disorder, and two supporters were also assaulted but did not require hospital treatment.
Officers targeted with fireworks and bottles
Superintendent Paul Douglas condemned the violence and warned that those responsible would be identified and arrested. He said: "Several officers were assaulted whilst carrying out their duties during unacceptable disorder ahead of the Aberdeen v Rangers match at Hampden on Saturday.
"They were attacked with fireworks, glass bottles and other missiles as supporters gathered in the Curtis Avenue area of Glasgow before kick-off."
He added: "This violence is disgraceful and will not be tolerated. Being assaulted is not part of the job and it's extremely fortunate they were not seriously injured."
Arrests following Hearts v Hibs
One man was arrested outside Hampden in connection with an assault, although there were no arrests during the match itself. Police have also revealed a series of arrests and charges following Sunday's Hearts v Hibernian fixture, also at Hampden.
Four men, aged between 24 and 37, were arrested for offences including threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of pyrotechnics, and released on undertakings to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.
Ongoing investigation and appeal
Within the stadium, another man was charged with vandalism and reported to the Procurator Fiscal, while two men received recorded police warnings for threatening and abusive behaviour. A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged outside the ground for threatening and abusive behaviour, with another man issued a recorded police warning.
Three men and one woman will also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for pyrotechnic offences and threatening and abusive behaviour. Police are continuing their investigation into Saturday's disorder and appealing for information, urging anyone who can identify those involved to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 1676 of October 31.
Superintendent Douglas said officers would work closely with both clubs to trace those responsible, adding: "We recognise that only a small percentage of fans behave in such a way and cause disorder, but I would encourage all fans to take personal responsibility for their conduct."
