Nine arrested after clash between Rangers and Celtic fans on the pitch - Gazeta Express
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football

Express newspaper

09/03/2026 22:20

Nine arrested after clash between Rangers and Celtic fans on pitch

football

Express newspaper

09/03/2026 22:20

Police have made nine arrests following incidents at the Scottish Cup quarter-final match between Rangers and Celtic on Sunday.

Authorities expect the number of arrests to increase "significantly" as an investigation has been opened into several incidents that occurred during and after the match.

Several fans and police officers were injured after fans entered the pitch at Ibrox Stadium immediately after Celtic's penalty shootout victory over their Glasgow rivals.

Dozens of away fans entered the pitch to celebrate, while more than 100 Rangers fans rushed towards them to confront them.

Police and stewards set up a barrier to prevent mass clashes, but there was violence and various objects were thrown, including a lit flare.

Police Chief Emma Croft said an officer had been hit in the head with a bottle.

The footage also showed a female police officer being kicked from behind by a Rangers fan who was running towards the Broomloan stand, where around 7,500 Celtic fans were.

"I can currently report nine arrests. I expect this number to increase significantly," she said.

"I have set up an investigative team and we will analyze security cameras and any other evidence to identify the individuals who will face justice. The biggest concern is the injuries to my officers and the citizens. Three or four people from the public have been injured as a result of the attacks. My officers have suffered injuries to the head, face and arm. All of this is unacceptable violence and dangerous behavior," she added.

Police also said a 10-year-old child had been hit by a coin.

Television footage also showed a man being detained by police after an incident with a member of Celtic staff, which prompted a reaction from his colleagues, including at least one player.

In other phone videos, a fan is seen attempting to kick Celtic defender Julian Araujo, while another runs towards him and pushes him.

Police announced that a 54-year-old man has been charged with assaulting a police officer, while a 47-year-old man has been charged with assaulting a coach and a player.

The incidents were not limited to inside the stadium.

Outside, on Helen Street, a man was found lying injured.

Three people, aged 54, 23 and 20, have been arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

Meanwhile, police are investigating another incident where several Celtic fans entered Ibrox Stadium before the match, causing a 24-minute delay for ticketed fans to enter the stadium./Express newspaper/

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