Credit: Imago

Keith Wyness

Sat 21 March 2026 11:54, UK

Rangers and Celtic have been told to make an example of fan groups after releasing “pathetic” statements on the violence that broke out after the latest Old Firm derby.

A number of arrests were made after both sets of supporters stormed onto the pitch at Ibrox following Celtic’s penalty shootout triumph in the Scottish Cup on March 8.

However, neither club publicly commented on the incident until four days afterwards, leading Scottish First Minister John Swinney to criticise them for taking “too long”.

Rangers eventually said they “unequivocally” condemned the skirmishes, while Celtic admitted “examples of unacceptable behaviour” had to be addressed.

Addressing the Old Firm disorder, former club CEO Keith Wyness said neither went far enough.

Unruly supporters must be banned

Controversially, Celtic’s interim chairman Brian Wilson made a comical ‘false narrative’ claim that his club were not at fault for the majority of the unruly scenes.

But Wyness, the former Aberdeen, Everton and Aston Villa chief executive, exclusively told Ibrox News that he was frustrated by both sides seemingly passing the buck.

“I’m so disappointed that A, they didn’t come out straight away and explain their situations and B, when they did, it was like dancing on the head of a pin,” said Wyness.

“I thought it was pathetic from both clubs, to be honest. They didn’t come out and condemn the factions that everybody knows were responsible.

“I think Celtic defending the fact that some of their fans were on the pitch, which I don’t think is correct and certainly Rangers not condemning exactly the group, they know who it is.

“So look, I’ve said this before, there were two clear groups. There were the Green Brigade and there were the Union Bears, who seemed to be the main instigators.

“They’ve got to get hold of those two groups, ban them from games and stop them from coming. And to me, it’s that clear. They’ve got to make an example.”

What might happen next?

An investigation by the Scottish FA is already underway and is expected to be thorough, but the potential repercussions for the disturbing incident remain to be seen.

For now, there has been no change to the allocation for Rangers supporters for the final Old Firm match of the season post-split, with a figure of 2,000 still in place.

That could yet change, as could the size of the Celtic end at Ibrox in future fixtures.

Celtic, meanwhile, are currently in dispute with the Green Brigade due to “safety incidents” involving the group, and are waiting for a response on security measures.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.