football disorder – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

‘Shameful’: Police statement following Old Firm Scottish Cup quarter final

Following the Scottish Cup quarter final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium yesterday (Sunday, 8 March 2026), 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.”

The Scottish FA added:

“The Scottish FA condemns the behaviour from supporters entering the field of play following the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final at Ibrox Stadium.

“An investigation will be carried out immediately in line with the Judicial Panel Protocol.”

Man arrested and charged following football disorder

Around 6.50pm last night – Tuesday, 30 December, 2025 – Police were made aware of disorder in the Albion Road area of Edinburgh ahead of the Hibernian v Aberdeen match.

Officers attended and a 26-year-old man was arrested for behaving in a threatening and abusive manner. He will appear at court at a later date.

An investigation is under way to identify further individuals involved in the disturbance.

Anyone with any information, or concerns, can approach officers or call 101 quoting incident number 1861 of Tuesday, 30 December, 2025.

A 20-year-old man was also arrested during the match in connection with a pitch invasion at the Edinburgh derby on Saturday, 27 December, 2025.

He was charged and will appear in court at a later date.

Six people have received football banning orders in the last three weeks

A football banning order was issued to a 46-year-old man at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 21 January 2025, after he pleaded guilty to a racial abuse offence which occurred at the Hearts v Hibernian game on 26 December 2024. He also received a fine.

Two men, aged 19 and 22, were issued with football banning orders at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on 15 January 2025 after pleading guilty to assaulting a teenager. This related to violence at the Dunfermline v Raith Rovers fixture on 2 January 2024.

Three other men, aged 26, 27 and 62, have also been given football banning orders this month after they plead guilty to offences including breach of the peace and assault at separate matches last year.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “We should all be able to go to a football match and enjoy the game without fear of violence or disorder.

“We will use all available tools at our disposal to eradicate this unacceptable behaviour. Football banning orders can be instrumental in helping us keep fans, players and our communities safe.

“We will continue to work with the clubs and courts to tackle criminality.”

Calum Beattie, the SPFL’s chief operating officer said: “We warmly applaud the robust approach from the police and courts in dealing with this disgraceful behaviour, as well as the swift action taken by our clubs to identify the individuals involved.

“The fact that a football banning order was imposed in these cases is entirely appropriate and we welcome the use of this restriction as an effective deterrent to other forms of unacceptable behaviour in stadia.”

Further arrests made in connection with disorder following Hibs vs Motherwell football match

Officers investigating disorder following the Hibernian versus Motherwell football match that took place in Edinburgh on Saturday, 5 October, 2024, have made more arrests.

Four men, two aged 19, one aged 18 and one aged 24, along with a 16-year-old male youth, have been arrested and charged in connection with incidents in the St Andrew Square area.

They have been released on an undertaking to appear in court on a later date. Football banning orders are being sought.

Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson said: “Officers work hard to create a safe environment not just at football matches but also after the event.

“These arrests send a strong message that we will not tolerate football related disorder in any form.”

League Cup Final trouble: CCTV images released

Police have released images of 11 individuals they believe can assist with their enquiries into disorder at the Scottish League Cup final.

Officers are continuing to investigate disorder which occurred on the morning of Sunday, 26 February, 2023 outside Hampden Stadium.

Anyone who may recognise those shown in the images, or who has any information which may assist is asked to contact police by calling 101 and quoting incident number 0933 of Saturday, 26 February, 2023.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.