Rangers and Celtic set to hear from Police Scotland over Viaplay Cup final scenes – BBC journalist
Police Scotland are to write to both Rangers and Celtic following clashes between fans before the Viaplay Cup final at Hampden Park, BBC journalist Chris McLaughlin reports.
Ahead of kick-off on Sunday (26 February) footage began to emerge on social media of fans chasing each other through the streets around the stadium and attempting to clash outside, with a small number of police trying to keep them apart.
That is now due to see both clubs contacted by the authorities to address matters, after the game itself ended in a 2-1 win for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Reporting via Twitter on Monday (27 February) McLaughlin wrote: “Police Scotland say they will be writing to Rangers, Celtic and the SPFL following clashes between fans ahead of yesterday’s League Cup final.
“Also asking for witnesses to come forward.”
Bad day
It won’t overshadow what was a disappointing day on the pitch that saw Michael Beale suffer his first defeat as Rangers manager, but it is an unneeded distraction that will bring negative attention on the club.
Suggestions that Ranger supporters were due at the stadium in the morning to set up a tifo whereas Celtic’s had already been put in place the night before are unlikely to be taken on board to any great degree if blame is being apportioned and punishments handed down, so the situation ultimately will be a negative for both clubs.
It wasn’t a great day for the Light Blues in a game where the Hoops didn’t have to be outstanding to record the win and lift the first trophy of the season.
Beale is now under the spotlight for his team selection, and the momentum built up since his November return has taken a hit.
None of it needs to derail the revival that he has overseen so far, with improvements on Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s start to the season evident.
But the manager had put a lot into ramping up the expectations in the build up, and the result was ultimately a major anti-climax when a cup win would have signified major progress already.
In other Rangers news, Beale has been backed on Sky Sports over his team selection despite a backlash to leaving out Nicolas Raskin.