Police Scotland condemn 'shameful' Rangers-Celtic pitch invasion as injuries confirmed and arrests made

Police Scotland made several arrests as officers and fans were injured when Rangers and Celtic supporters clashed on the pitch following their Scottish Cup quarter-final tie at Ibrox on Sunday.

Celtic clinched a penalty shoot-out victory at the home of their arch rivals after the sides battled out a goalless draw over 120 minutes but the celebrations were marred by a mass pitch invasion.

It followed earlier reports of Celtic supporters storming a turnstile ahead of kick-off while images surfaced online of offensive graffiti relating to the 1971 Ibrox disaster sprayed on walls inside the stand.

The trouble escalated at full-time with dozens of Celtic fans storming onto the pitch to celebrate victory. A large contingent of Rangers fans then followed onto the pitch with skirmishes breaking out and flares thrown as the situation threatened to get out of hand.

A flare is thrown towards police and stewards as trouble flares after Celtic's Scottish Cup quarter-final win over Rangers at Ibrox. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Police and stewards rushed to form a barrier and within a few minutes the crowd had been dispersed with order restored. However, both clubs are likely to face repurcussions from the Scottish Football Assocation, who are looking into the matter.

Police Scotland confirmed it has also launched an investigation after revealing that officers were subjected to “extreme hostility and violence”.

Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen said: "The behaviour of a number of supporters at the Scottish Cup quarter final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox today was shameful. It must be condemned by everyone involved in football and wider society.

"A number of arrests have already been made, and Police Scotland will now work with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association to carry out a robust investigation following the scenes on the pitch at the conclusion of the match.

"Officers and stewards were faced with extreme hostility and violence over a sustained period, with many individuals having armed themselves with items clearly intended to cause harm. Officers and members of the public have been injured in this despicable display and I want to express my thanks to all officers and staff deployed.

"The investigation will also include the actions of some supporters who entered the Broomloan Road stand without tickets before the match started, forcing delays in the security operation and the turnstiles to be closed for a period of time.

"I would also urge anyone with information about who was involved in disorder before, during or after the match to get in touch with Police Scotland on 101."