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 the two clubs alongside the publication of an independent review that examined the events in detail. The clubs stand accused of violating Rule 37 of the SFA’s code, which concerns the maintenance of "good order and security" and prohibits "unacceptable conduct" by supporters. Rule 37 obliges clubs to have robust policies and procedures in place and to act promptly when fans engage in behaviour that threatens safety.
Both clubs are scheduled to appear before a disciplinary panel on 13 August. The incident unfolded after Celtic secured victory in a penalty shoot‑out. As the winning spot‑kick was celebrated, a contingent of Celtic supporters surged onto the pitch. Within moments, more than a hundred Rangers fans from the home end rushed onto the field, exchanging fireworks and creating a volatile situation that quickly spiralled out of control.
Police and stewards were injured during the melee, and at least 37 arrests were made. The match was notable for being the first Old Firm fixture in recent years to allow a full allocation of away supporters – 8,042 tickets – the largest number since 2018.
Previously, after a two‑year period with no away fans, the allocation for away supporters in Premiership matches had been capped at between 2,000 and 2,500. The independent report, led by former police officer Mark Blackbourne, painted a stark picture of the two groups involved. It noted that the "Celtic Ultras" were the first to enter the pitch in a celebratory mood, with other fans following them.
By contrast, the report described the "Union Bears" – a Rangers‑affiliated group – as moving onto the track in a "reactionary, confrontational, and overtly threatening" manner. Their proximity to the playing surface, the report argued, dramatically increased the risk of a mass incursion and accelerated the escalation of disorder. According to the findings, the post‑match pitch invasion by several hundred Celtic fans was "wholly inexcusable" and provoked an immediate hostile response from sections of the home crowd, who forced past stewards and police to reach the field.
The report documented at least six instances of flares being thrown between the two sides, one of which struck a Rangers Football Club security operative and another that hit a CCTV operator. A particularly serious incident involved a masked Rangers fan – believed to be an Ultra member – who struck the club's Stand Manager in the face, causing a traumatic ear injury that required ongoing medical treatment. Perhaps the most unsettling revelation was that a special meeting of Glasgow City Council's Safety Advisory Group recorded that several seasoned Police Scotland officers described themselves as "petrified" of having to police another match at Ibrox.
Blackbourne stressed that this comment must be understood in context, but nonetheless it highlighted a deep concern for the safety of officials and the broader reputation of Scottish football. He called for the highest level of attention from all bodies responsible for the governance of security at major fixtures. The review also drew parallels between the organisational structures of certain Ultra groups and those typically associated with organised crime, urging that incidents involving these factions be met with significantly tougher sanctions from the clubs involved.
Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the SFA, thanked Blackbourne for the comprehensive review and pledged that the SFA would consider all recommendations in collaboration with the SPFL, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government. He reiterated that the scenes witnessed at Ibrox have no place in the sport and that steps will be taken to ensure they are never repeated.
Rangers responded by disputing several conclusions of the report, particularly the limited scrutiny applied to the decision to allocate roughly 8,000 tickets to Celtic – a move they argue fundamentally altered the risk profile of the match. The club argued that the independent review should have examined the SFA's actions as rigorously as it examined the clubs' conduct, labeling this omission as a "significant" shortfall. Nevertheless, Rangers condemned the violence, the use of pyrotechnics, missile‑throwing, and the vandalism of stadium property, and praised the professionalism of police and stewards who restored order.
The club affirmed its full cooperation with the review, accepted responsibility for aspects within its control, and committed to implementing the lessons and recommendations identified. Celtic's interim chairman, Brian Wilson, described the report as a "thorough piece of work" that provides valuable insight for all stakeholders. He welcomed the emphasis on safety above all else, a principle that aligns with Celtic's own policies.
While the club maintains that the non‑violent incursion by a small number of supporters did not constitute a major threat, it expressed deep concern over the actions of a masked, weapon‑bearing segment of the home crowd and the subsequent attacks on Celtic supporters and staff. Wilson also questioned why recommendations from Glasgow City Council's Safety Advisory Group were overruled by senior Police Scotland officials, creating a "vacuum" in safety oversight. He supported the recommendation to formalise and strengthen the role of Safety Advisory Groups. Both clubs indicated that they will use the findings to improve their own operational procedures and will cooperate fully with authorities moving forward.
The incident has reignited a broader debate about the allocation of away tickets for Old Firm matches, the management of Ultra groups, and the need for clearer, more enforceable safety protocols at high‑risk fixtures across Scotland. The SFA's disciplinary process will now determine the specific sanctions each club faces, which could include fines, points deductions, or restrictions on future ticket allocations. The outcome will be closely watched by fans, officials and law‑enforcement agencies alike, as it will set a precedent for how Scottish football addresses extreme fan behaviour and ensures the safety of all participants in the sport.