Rangers are set to take on Celtic in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox
Rangers are set to take on Celtic in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox

Rangers v Celtic: Tom English reacts to 'incredibly grim' Old Firm update

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Tom English has reacted to an "incredibly grim" update after a glass bottle was thrown at Matt O'Riley during the 3-3 draw between Rangers and Celtic on Sunday (7 April).

After Connor Goldson was penalised for a handball in the box, the Hoops midfielder stepped up to chip the spot-kick past Jack Butland. It has since been revealed that a glass bottle was thrown at him after.

According to BBC News [8 April], John Kennedy was also shown reacting in the Celtic dugout after "coins and other objects" landed in the surrounding area.

Reacting to the news, English took to X on Monday (8 April), writing: "A glass bottle thrown - and not for the first time. This stuff is incredibly grim.

"I’d hope we can all agree on that much. The perpetrator(s) will be caught by the police, hopefully, but football authorities will say they can’t do anything. Rinse and repeat."

"Incredibly grim" Rangers update casts shadow over Ibrox

Considering that no away fans were allowed at Ibrox for the Old Firm clash, it is disappointing to hear reports of misbehaviour from the stands.

Football is an extremely emotional sport at the best of times. Mix that with facing your most-hated rivals, and, sadly, some fans can go way too far.

Of course, there are rules in place to stop these kinds of things from happening, like no alcoholic drinks taken out of the concourse, but one or two incidents will always slip through the cracks.

Rangers Ibrox fans
Rangers fans at Ibrox

Without the disappointing update, the Rangers turnaround at Ibrox was certainly an entertaining one. Rabbi Matondo's wondergoal to tie up the score with only seconds remaining sent the whole crowd into pandemonium.

Annoyingly, the situation surrounding O'Riley and the glass bottle will be one that casts a shadow over Ibrox for the next few days, taking away from how vital the draw was for the Gers.

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