Old Firm punishment latest as Rangers and Celtic await to learn fate
Rangers and Celtic are expected to have to wait another fortnight before learning of their respective punishments for poor fan behaviour at Sunday’s Old Firm.
Rangers’ penalty-shootout loss to Celtic was marred by ugly scenes at full-time as many visiting fans left the Broomloan Road end and made their way onto the field.
Some Rangers fans in the Copland Stand reacted by entering the field, but thankfully the police managed to calm the situation before it got too out of hand.
Still, punishments can be expected for both clubs, with some even calling for the return of away fans being banned, having only recently returned.
As the fallout from Rangers’ loss to Celtic continues, Ibrox News rounds up all the latest.
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Timeline emerges for SFA probe
The SFA were quick to condemn the actions of those who let their emotions get the better of them on Sunday.
A probe has been launched, but the Daily Record suggests it could be a couple of weeks before that is concluded.
Exactly what type of action can be expected is unclear, with partial stadium closures one possibility and indeed fines, as well as bans to those involved.
Police Scotland will also look into the matter, especially incidents involving violence both on the field and outside Ibrox.
Keith Hackett says ‘top-end punishment’ can be expected
In the view of former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, a “top-end punishment” can be expected.
Hackett believes part of Ibrox could be shut off, with Rangers bearing the brunt of the punishment for having inadequate procedures in place.
“The home club are responsible for the safety and security of fans and liaise with the Police Commander responsible for security and the policing of the event,” Hackett said.
“There is a great deal of discussion and planning before games. The Scottish FA within hours of the game announced a full investigation. I am also sure that the Government will have expressed their concern.
“The scale of punishment will be towards the top end, which may include sanctions of fines and the risk of ground closure or parts of the ground closed off.”
Ray Parlour and Alan Brazil wade in on Old Firm fallout
Understandably, the scenes at Ibrox have been the hot topic of the day in not just Scottish football but British football as a whole.
- Rangers and Celtic reached an agreement that Old Firm fixtures would have no fan allocation for games in January last year and September of 2024
- After those fixtures, they agreed to give a 5% allocation to away fans for future matches
- The Gers agreed to give Celtic fans a 7,000-plus allocation for this game, and it backfired
Some 7,500 Celtic fans were allowed to attend the Scottish Cup fixture.
Ray Parlour believes away fans can say goodbye to travelling once again, which he labels a “shame”. And he’s not alone in sharing that views.
Alan Brazil agreed with that sentiment and added that it will “kill” the Old Firm fixtures.
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