Celtic have welcomed the SFA's independent review into last season's Old Firm shame game at Ibrox but have hit out at Police Scotland. Both Celtic and Rangers have been issued notices of complaint over the March showdown in Govan, which saw Martin O'Neill's side win on penalties.
The match, which saw the return of over 7,000 away supporters in the Broomloan Stand for the first time since 2018, was marred by disgraceful scenes as fans stormed onto the pitch at full-time. Celtic fans spilled onto the field after Tomas Cvancara slotted home the decisive penalty in the shootout before Rangers ultras responded with flares being lobbed in shocking scenes.
SFA releases 37-page independent review
After a lengthy four-month investigation, the SFA released a 37-page independent review and announced both clubs are to be charged pending a hearing on August 13. Rangers said they 'support some of the recommendations' but raised concerns about 'significant aspects', accusing Hampden chiefs of omitting significant information from their findings.
While Celtic hold their hands up over some of the points raised, they believe a huge portion of the blame lies with Police Scotland over the trouble that followed. Interim chairman Brian Wilson said: “This is a thorough piece of work which provides all parties involved with food for thought and action.
Celtic points finger at Police Scotland
“We welcome the repeated emphasis on the primacy of safety above all other considerations, a message consistent with Celtic’s approach in all it does. Celtic made its strong objections to important elements of matchday planning very clear, well in advance of the match.
“While we remain in dispute regarding certain points within this review, our club does not shrink from criticisms contained in the report or the lessons to be drawn. Nobody should, since the potential implications of disregarding them are obviously serious, both for safety and for football.
“We continue to believe that the non-violent incursion by a small number of Celtic supporters following the conclusion of the Scottish Cup quarter-final was not, in itself, a major or threatening incident.
“However, the actions by a section of the home support, some of them masked and carrying weapons, and subsequent attacks on our supporters and staff, were deeply concerning and we remain puzzled as to why the actions recommended by the Safety Advisory Group of Glasgow City Council were overturned at a senior level within Police Scotland.
“This has left a vacuum in the role previously understood by consent to be occupied by the Safety Advisory Group. Accordingly, we welcome the recommendation that the status of Safety Advisory Groups should be formalised and strengthened.
“While this was, of course, an away fixture for Celtic, we will seek to learn lessons of value to our own operations and co-operate fully with the authorities in doing so.”
