The SFA have condemned the appalling post-match incidents that overshadowed the Old Firm Scottish Cup tie and launched an investigation that could result in severe sanctions for both clubs. Celtic triumphed in the quarter-final clash on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes, with Tomas Cvancara’s crucial spot-kick triggering chaotic scenes in the Broomloan End, which housed 7,500 away supporters for the first time in eight years.
However, it may prove to be the final time for the foreseeable future following the unacceptable incidents that ensued. Celtic supporters flooded onto the pitch in celebration, only to be confronted by a counter-invasion from the Rangers section, threatening to spiral into the kind of disorder that followed the 1980 Scottish Cup final disgrace.
The SFA have now criticised both sets of supporters and commenced an investigation that could result in both clubs facing substantial penalties.
They said: « The Scottish FA condemns the behaviour from supporters entering the field of play following today’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final at Ibrox Stadium. An investigation will be carried out immediately in line with the Judicial Panel Protocol. »
Rangers head coach Danny Rohl told Premier Sports: « I’m not sure what was at the end, I was in the tunnel. »
Meanwhile, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill added: « That would be a worry for me. The fixture itself, although still a phenomenal fixture, had lost a bit of its lustre because the away fans or full complement of away fans were not allowed in.
« I have no idea what might happen. I think today, with the crowd and our crowd there, to me, it was a proper Old Firm game in that sense. We will see what develops.
« That would be a worry for me. The fixture itself, although still a phenomenal fixture, had lost a bit of its lustre because the away fans or full complement of away fans were not allowed in.
« I have no idea what might happen. I think today, with the crowd and our crowd there, to me, it was a proper Old Firm game in that sense. We will see what develops. »
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