The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has formally charged both Celtic and Rangers following the disorder that erupted after their Scottish Cup quarter‑final at Ibrox on March 8. Identical notices of complaint were sent to each club alongside the publication of an independent investigative report into the incident.
The charges allege breaches of SFA Rule 37, which governs "good order and security" and defines "unacceptable conduct" by supporters. Rule 37 obliges clubs to have robust policies and procedures in place and to take appropriate steps to identify, monitor and manage fans who engage in violent or disruptive behaviour. Both clubs are slated to appear before a disciplinary panel on 13 August. The hearing will consider whether the clubs failed to meet their obligations under the rule, particularly in relation to crowd control, ticket allocation and the handling of ultra‑fan groups that have been linked to heightened risk at Old Firm fixtures.
The trouble began in the closing minutes of the match when Celtic emerged victorious in a penalty shoot‑out. As the winning penalty was taken, a number of Celtic supporters, often described as "Celtic Ultras," stormed onto the pitch in celebration.
Their incursion was quickly mirrored by a sizeable contingent of Rangers fans, many of whom were positioned in the home end. More than a hundred Rangers supporters surged forward, and the situation escalated when fireworks were tossed back and forth between the two groups. Police and stewards were forced to intervene as the confrontation intensified. At least 37 arrests were made, and several officers and stadium staff suffered injuries.
One Rangers security operative was struck by a flare, and a CCTV operator was also hit by a similar projectile. In a particularly violent episode, a masked Rangers fan – believed to be affiliated with an ultra‑group – assaulted the club's stand manager, delivering a blow to the face that resulted in a traumatic inner‑ear injury requiring ongoing medical treatment.
The match marked the first time in several years that a substantial away allocation was reinstated for an Old Firm encounter. Eight thousand and forty‑two tickets were made available to Celtic supporters, the largest away figure since 2018. Prior to this, away allocations for Premiership matches had been capped at between 2,000 and 2,500 tickets after a two‑year period during which no away fans were permitted at the fixture due to security concerns. The independent review, led by former police officer Mark Blackbourne, painted a stark picture of the events.
It noted that the Celtic Ultras were the first to enter the pitch in a state of jubilation, while the Rangers supporters – described as the "Union Bears" – moved onto the track in a reactionary, confrontational and overtly threatening manner. The report argued that the proximity of both groups to the playing surface dramatically increased the likelihood of a mass incursion and accelerated the escalation of disorder. Key findings from the report include: * The post‑match pitch invasion by several hundred Celtic fans was deemed "wholly inexcusable" and provoked an immediate hostile response from sections of the home crowd, who forced past stewards and police to reach the field.
* Six separate incidents were recorded in which flares were thrown between the two factions, one of which struck a Rangers security operative and another hitting a CCTV operator. * The stand manager was assaulted by a masked Rangers fan, resulting in a serious ear injury that required hospital treatment.
* A special Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meeting convened by Glasgow City Council documented that some veteran Police Scotland officers described themselves as "petrified" of policing another match at Ibrox, a comment the report labelled "deeply disturbing" and indicative of broader concerns about safety at major Scottish football events. The review went further, comparing the organisational characteristics of certain ultra groups to those typically associated with organised crime syndicates.
It called for substantially tougher sanctions against clubs whose supporters are involved in such incidents, urging the governing bodies to adopt a zero‑tolerance stance. Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the SFA, responded to the findings by thanking Mark Blackbourne for the comprehensive review and pledging to consider all recommendations in full. "While this is now a live matter for an independent Judicial Panel to consider, the scenes witnessed during the cup tie should have no place in our game," he said. "We will work together with the SPFL, clubs, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government to ensure no repeat of the events that tarnished the image and reputation of football in Scotland." Rangers issued a statement rejecting several aspects of the report.
The club argued that the investigation offered a "limited examination" of the decision to allocate around 8,000 tickets to Celtic, a move that, in their view, fundamentally altered the risk profile of the fixture. Rangers also criticised the review for not scrutinising the Scottish FA's actions with the same rigor applied to the clubs, describing this omission as a significant shortcoming.
Despite their objections, Rangers acknowledged the disorder was unacceptable and condemned the violent actions, use of pyrotechnics, missile‑throwing, stadium vandalism and abusive behaviour directed at victims of the historic Ibrox Disaster. The club praised the professionalism of police officers and stewards who restored order and affirmed its commitment to fully engage with the independent review, implement the lessons learned and accept responsibility for any failings within its control. Celtic's interim chairman, Brian Wilson, issued a measured response.
He welcomed the thoroughness of the report and its emphasis on safety as the paramount concern. While Celtic maintained its objections to certain elements of match‑day planning – particularly the allocation decision – the club did not shy away from acknowledging the criticisms. Wilson stressed that the non‑violent incursion by a small number of Celtic supporters after the match should not be characterised as a major threat, but he expressed deep concern over the violent actions of a masked section of the home support, some of whom were armed.
He questioned why recommendations from the Glasgow City Council's Safety Advisory Group had been overruled by senior Police Scotland officials, creating a vacuum in the safety oversight framework. Both clubs agreed that the status of Safety Advisory Groups should be formalised and strengthened to prevent similar lapses in the future.
Celtic added that, despite the fixture being an away game for them, the club would extract valuable lessons for its own operations and cooperate fully with authorities. The incident has reignited a broader debate about the future of Old Firm allocations, the role of ultra‑fan groups, and the adequacy of existing security protocols at high‑risk matches. With the disciplinary hearings set for August, the SFA, the clubs and law‑enforcement agencies will be under pressure to demonstrate that concrete steps are being taken to safeguard fans, staff and the integrity of Scottish football.
The fallout also underscores the importance of transparent, evidence‑based decision‑making when allocating large numbers of away tickets, especially in fixtures with a history of sectarian tension and rivalry‑driven violence. As the review recommends, a coordinated approach involving the SFA, SPFL, police forces, local authorities and club security teams will be essential to rebuild public confidence and ensure that future Old Firm clashes are conducted in a safe, orderly environment.