Rangers face SFA and Scots Govt action after ‘unacceptable’ pre-match incident v Celtic

Rangers are set to face action from the Scottish Football Association after their 1-1 draw against Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday.

Celtic fans were allowed back into Ibrox for the first time since 2023 for the final Old Firm game of the season, which was marred yet again by issues in the stands.

A lot of focus was given in-game to missiles being thrown onto the pitch after Adam Idah’s goal in the second half, but scenes before kick-off at Ibrox could see the Gers face to wrath of the authorities.

Barry Ferguson
Credit: Imago

Scottish government could intervene after Rangers fan display

Keith Hackett believes the Scottish FA and the Scottish government could both become involved after a Rangers fan display in the Copland Stand featured Graeme Souness holding a shotgun before kick-off against Celtic.

Below the red, blue and white tifo, a banner said: “Take aim against the rebel scum.”

The former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee believes that the display could become a political issue due to it being a potentially violent message.

ResultCompetitionDateVenue
Celtic 3-0 RangersScottish Premiership1 SeptemberCeltic Park
Rangers 3-3 Celtic AET (Celtic win 8-7 on penalties)Premier Sports Cup15 DecemberHampden Park
Rangers 3-0 CelticScottish Premiership2 JanuaryIbrox
Celtic 2-3 RangersScottish Premiership16 MarchCeltic Park
Rangers 1-1 CelticScottish Premiership4 MayIbrox
Rangers’ record v Celtic in the 2024/25 season.

“The Scottish FA need to take action on this,” Hackett told Ibrox News.

It is unacceptable to show a firearm in front of spectators in the stadium and on the images around the world, who will be looking at this.

It simply promotes violence, there is no part for that in sport. It is glorifying violence and cannot be ignored.

Action must be taken on this.

I suggest that the Scottish Government may have a view.”

Rangers fan tifo at Ibrox v Celtic.
Credit: Sky Sports Main Event

Rangers fans find new way to disgrace themselves

Seriously, what’s the point?

Rangers have regularly been in trouble with the SFA due to the actions of certain fans and players. But this is something that the club has clearly given the go-ahead to happen.

There are countless club statements opposing things that the SFA have done in recent years, but if it was a dodgy on-field incident, you’d be saying that a player has given the referee a decision to make.

Rangers are constantly doing that, they’re constantly giving reasons for the authorities to come down on them like a ton of bricks.