Chaos unfolds in the Old Firm derby as police are forced to separate Celtic and Rangers supporters following pitch invasion at the end of dramatic Scottish Cup tie



Police were forced to separate fans who stormed the pitch at Ibrox as Celtic beat arch rivals Rangers in dramatic fashion in the latest Old Firm derby.

In the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, the two giants clashed and it was Celtic who prevailed to reach the last-four – winning after a penalty shootout after the game had finished 0-0.

After Tomas Cvancara had scored the winning spot kick for Celtic, away fans entered the field of play in jubilation as the match-winner celebrated in front of the home fans.

His team-mates would soon rush to him to join the celebrations, but fans did the same, with stewards scrambling to keep them off the field.

But they struggled to do so and a number of supporters entered the field, which triggered angry home fans to respond and enter the field too. 

There then appeared to be a stand-off between supporters as more entered the field to only escalate the situation, with flares also thrown onto the field. It has since been reported that police were involved in having to separate the supporters on the field of play.

Several Celtic supporters entered the field following the goal, successfully evading stewards with plenty of debris also on the field.

As supporters approached the Celtic players in jubilation, home fans entered the field in response, with many donning blue balaclavas.

They initially retreated as stewards clambered to get players off the field, but Cvancara became involved again as tensions started to boil over with more Rangers fans entering the field. 

Police carried off what appeared to be a Rangers fan as others surrounded them, and countless Rangers supporters then made their ways over to where those associated with Celtic had been cut off.

At least one flare was thrown into each side, and police, who were armed with batons, stood between them as frustrated Rangers fans took part in the face-off.

Objects were exchanged, with Celtic fans continuing to chant in support of their team. 

Eventually, the Rangers fans retreated as police remained on the field.

Leave a Comment