Keith Hackett: Rangers will be charged after Celtic defeat, Scottish FA must take action
We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive Rangers columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Keith Hackett has insisted that Rangers will be facing a charge after their 2-1 defeat against Celtic on Sunday afternoon.
The ex-FIFA referee admitted that it is the Bears’ responsibility at Ibrox to protect players and fans alike, something that didn’t happen when glass bottles were thrown onto the pitch.
The second half was delayed after the bottles smashed, with another also leaving a member of Celtic staff needing stitches.
“That is totally unacceptable,” speaking exclusively to Ibrox News.
“These are areas of the game which, the Scottish FA have got to get to grips. Where is the mentality of someone who wants to put the career of a player at risk?
“Joe Hart is an employee, he’s doing his job and I compliment him as he didn’t overreact, he didn’t make a big scene. It was all handled extremely well.”
When quizzed on if Rangers will face charges from the SFA, Hackett couldn’t see any other outcome.
“Absolutely, they have a responsibility for the safety of those people and throughout the stadium.
“This is a really difficult job for them, but it’s got to be stamped out. I think when you’ve got a game of this quality, we’re talking about a glass bottle, that is so sad.”
We don’t care about fans using the Old Firm rivalry as an excuse for this, it is just totally unacceptable and not welcome at Ibrox.
This glass could have severely injured any player, not just Celtic players, so the thinking behind it is just embarrassing.
Hopefully, this fan is identified and banned for life, with a guaranteed fine coming the way of the club too – it just isn’t good enough.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart has shared his reaction to a “huge” development at Ibrox to come in April