Rangers followers storm pitch as flares thrown after Celtic penalty shootout chaos
Rangers and Celtic’s Scottish Cup quarter-final ended in chaos after Celtic prevailed on penalties, with fans storming the pitch and flares thrown in ugly scenes at Ibrox
Fans stormed the pitch after the Scottish Cup match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox(Image: Daily Record Sport / X)
Chaos erupted at the final whistle of the Scottish Cup match between Rangers and Celtic, as supporters stormed the pitch and confronted security personnel. The quarter-final showdown extended to extra time following a goalless 90 minutes, with Celtic ultimately triumphing via a penalty shootout.
Tomas Cvancara converted the decisive penalty for Celtic, which led to scenes of celebration in the enlarged away section at Ibrox. Several Celtic fans began rushing onto the pitch in jubilation, provoking a furious response from the Rangers faithful at the opposite end of the ground.
The television cameras inside Ibrox captured a group of Rangers supporters charging across the turf to confront the Celtic fans who had trespassed onto the playing surface.
Matters deteriorated quickly, as Rangers supporters were seen hurling what appeared to be pyrotechnic flares into the section containing the Celtic fans, whilst it’s claimed a member of the Hoops’ coaching staff was attacked, reports the Express.
Speaking on Premier Sports’ commentary, commentator Rory Hamilton said: “Another supporter has made it on to the pitch and now more and more are drifting on from the Rangers end. This threatens to get out of hand here, it’s going to be a tough ask for the police to keep control of this.
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“There’s a few flares that are being let off and thrown at the opposing supporters [sections]. It’s an ugly, ugly end to what has ben a superb game of football.”
He continued: “There is absolutely no need. This is lunacy at the end of what’s been such a great advert in terms of the game of football. This is ugly, they’re exchanging flares, pyrotechnics going one way and then the other.”
Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo explained how, despite the scenes after the final whistle, he and his teammates will enjoy the victory against their bitter rivals.
“There’s no derby like it, and [the post-match scenes] won’t take away from what we’ve done here today,” Sinisalo told Premier Sports.
“We’ve come here, beat them and we’re into the next round of the cup. That’s what we’ll focus on.
“It’s clear for everyone to see, we’re playing for the badge and showing a bit of heart. As a player, it’s so pleasing to see. Everyone is making blocks, working for each other. We’re being good team-mates to each other.
“It’s not easy, coming here and winning. It’s not been an easy season, we can’t hide away from that. In times like that, you have to be a very good team-mate.”
