Nine arrested over disorder after Rangers v Celtic match – with number expected to rise ‘significantly’
Nine people have been arrested after clashes between fans broke out when Celtic knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup on Sunday.
Police Scotland have said the number of arrests is expected to rise “significantly” as it continues its investigation into the disorder at the end of Sunday’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox Stadium.
Members of the public and several police officers were injured after dozens of Celtic supporters ran onto the pitch when their side won, and more than 100 Rangers fans followed them.
Police and stewards formed a barrier to keep the fans apart but they could not prevent missiles, including a lit flare, from being thrown.
Chief Superintendent Emma Croft said on Monday: “There’s nine arrests currently that I can report on. I do expect that number to rise significantly.”
A 54-year-old man has been charged in connection with a police assault and a 47-year-old man has been charged in connection with an assault on a coach and a player.
Three men – aged 20, 23 and 54 – have been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault of a man on a nearby street after the match.
They are all due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.
Police Scotland said an officer was hit in the head by a bottle and a 10-year-old was hit by a coin.
Footage also showed a female officer being kicked to the ground from behind by a Rangers fan, who was sprinting towards the stand holding 7,500 Celtic supporters.
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Police and stewards force fans back after the pitch invasion. Pic: PA
Television footage showed a man being apprehended by officers after an incident involving a Celtic staff member.
A video filmed on a mobile phone showed a fan aim a kick at Celtic’s Julian Araujo, before another ran up and pushed the defender.
Police condemn ‘shameful’ behaviour
Ms Croft said: “Several officers and members of the public, including a child, were injured as a result of what unfolded. This is totally unacceptable and shameful behaviour.”
“My officers, the injuries that they suffered were injuries to the head, to the face, to the arm,” she added. “All violence, all culpable and reckless conduct and disorder. Not acceptable.
“We are aware of a number of individuals that came on to the pitch using items within the stadium as weapons. That will play part of the broader inquiry I’ve kicked off, and we have significant CCTV footage which we’ll be trailing through.”
An injured man receives medical attention on the pitch. Pic: PA
“No one should have to face such extreme levels of violence and hostility, and those responsible will be identified and face the consequences,” she added.
A review of the police operation has been launched but Ms Croft has called on clubs to address the behaviour of some of their fans.
“Policing will play its role in addressing these issues but it requires collective action by a number of organisations with whom we are currently engaging,” she said.
