Police Scotland has confirmed that arrests have been made in connection with the violent disorder that erupted at Ibrox Stadium following Celtic’s Scottish Cup quarter-final triumph over Rangers.
The match concluded goalless after 120 minutes before Celtic prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out, securing their place in the semi-finals.
Supporters from both clubs subsequently stormed onto the pitch, prompting chaotic scenes that police have described as utterly shameful.
Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen declared: “The behaviour of a number of supporters at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox today was shameful.
Arrests have been made after fans broke onto the pitch at Ibrox, Police Scotland have confirmed
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“It must be condemned by everyone involved in football and wider society.”
The senior officer revealed that police and stewards encountered sustained violence and extreme aggression throughout the disturbance. Numerous individuals had armed themselves with objects clearly designed to inflict harm, she stated.
Chief Superintendent Stephen added: “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.”
Missiles were hurled as security personnel rushed to establish a barrier separating the rival supporters.
Order was eventually restored, leaving the 7,500 travelling Celtic fans to celebrate their victory alone.
Rangers ultras broke onto the pitch after Celtic fans did the same following their penalty shootout win
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Police Scotland has announced it will collaborate with Rangers, Celtic and the Scottish Football Association to conduct a thorough investigation into the post-match scenes.
The investigation will extend beyond the post-match chaos to examine how certain supporters gained entry to the Broomloan Road stand without valid tickets prior to kick-off.
Chief Superintendent Stephen explained: “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.”
This breach caused significant disruption to the security operation, with turnstiles temporarily shut as officials scrambled to regain control of access points.
Police have urged witnesses to contact them on 101 with any relevant information.
The FULL chaotic scenes at Ibrox after Celtic beat Rangers on pens.
Fans from both sides on the pitch! 😳😳😳
📹 @PremSportsTV pic.twitter.com/3hTdB1DQPE
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) March 8, 2026
The Scottish FA swiftly condemned the supporters’ conduct and confirmed an immediate investigation would follow.
Rangers manager Danny Rohl expressed his disapproval of the scenes, stating: “It was a great atmosphere for 120 minutes and it should be like this; the other things should not be in the stadium or in football.”
Some fans were armed, police have said
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Celtic boss Martin O’Neill, whose players were escorted from the pitch during the disorder, voiced concern that the ugly scenes might overshadow his side’s achievement.
“That would be a worry for me,” O’Neill admitted, adding that the fixture had felt like “a proper Old Firm game” with the full complement of supporters present.
