‘ROBUST’ INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING
Nine people have been arrested following disorder around the Scottish Cup quarter final match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday (8 March).
A ‘robust’ investigation is ongoing and Police Scotland is working with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association as enquiries continue.
Three men, aged 54, 23 and 20, have been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault of a man on Helen Street following the match. The men are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.
A number of officers and members of the public were injured during the scenes which took place on the pitch at the conclusion of the match.
Items, including pyrotechnics, were thrown and a 10-year-old child was struck by a coin.
A 54-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with a police assault. He was released on an undertaking to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.
A 47-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an assault on a coach and player at the end of the match. He was also released to appear at a later date.
There were also other arrests in relation to a number of offences including abuse towards officers and culpable and reckless conduct.
Vandalism and graffiti within the stadium are also being investigated.
Chief Superintendent Emma Croft, Greater Glasgow Divisional Commander said: “These were utterly disgraceful scenes and must be condemned by everyone involved in football and the wider society.
“No one should have to face such extreme levels of violence and hostility, and those responsible will be identified and face the consequences.
“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.
“It begs the question, does someone need to be critically injured or worse before this behaviour is treated with the seriousness it deserves?
“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.
“Crucially, however, I would also call out the need for individuals who see fit to behave in such a despicable manner to take personal accountability. No game of football should be overshadowed by the behaviours of a few.
“A policing enquiry team has been established today to investigate all incidents pertaining to the quarter final fixture and I would appeal to any member of the public who has information which may assist those enquiries to contact Police Scotland as soon as possible.
“I want to give my assurance that our investigation will be very thorough, and further arrests will be made in due course. For those involved in this kind of disorder, the message is simple: it is not a question of if, but when we will identify and come looking for you.”
Anyone with information can call 101 or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Information can also be sent directly to the investigation team. The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form to pass information, images and footage directly to the Major Investigation Team and can be accessed here.
