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Celtic and Rangers have both been cited over fan disorder during the Scottish Cup quarter-final last season.
Celtic defeated Rangers at Ibrox on penalties, and a pitch invasion involving both sets of supporters ensued, leading to a clash between supporters. Police ultimately managed to get the situation under control with a cordon, but objects and flares were thrown, and both members of the public and police staff were injured. A section of fans were seen armed, leading to huge concerns, and 37 arrests were made in all.
There was more disorder outside the stadium, and an in-depth probe was launched by the Scottish FA, who have now cited both clubs under disciplinary rule 37. The hearings will take place on Thursday, August 13, when both clubs will have to answer for the actions of their fans.
Following the publishing of the investigation, Celtic interim chairman Brian Wilson has issued an in-depth response.
Brian Wilson's Scottish FA response in full
“This is a thorough piece of work which provides all parties involved with food for thought and action. We welcome the repeated emphasis on the primacy of safety above all other considerations, a message consistent with Celtic’s approach in all it does.
“Celtic made its strong objections to important elements of matchday planning very clear, well in advance of the match.
“While we remain in dispute regarding certain points within this review, our club does not shrink from criticisms contained in the report or the lessons to be drawn. Nobody should, since the potential implications of disregarding them are obviously serious, both for safety and for football.
“We continue to believe that the non-violent incursion by a small number of Celtic supporters following the conclusion of the Scottish Cup quarter-final was not, in itself, a major or threatening incident.
“However, the actions by a section of the home support, some of them masked and carrying weapons, and subsequent attacks on our supporters and staff, were deeply concerning and we remain puzzled as to why the actions recommended by the Safety Advisory Group of Glasgow City Council were overturned at a senior level within Police Scotland.
“This has left a vacuum in the role previously understood by consent to be occupied by the Safety Advisory Group. Accordingly, we welcome the recommendation that the status of Safety Advisory Groups should be formalised and strengthened.
“While this was, of course, an away fixture for Celtic, we will seek to learn lessons of value to our own operations and co-operate fully with the authorities in doing so."
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This article was originally published on thecelticbhoys.com as Celtic chief issues statement after club cited by Scottish FA over Old Firm fan troubles.
