'This is lunacy': Football fans condemned for 'despicable' scenes at end of Scottish Cup grudge match
Fans invaded the field and clashed after Celtic beat Rangers in a penalty shootout in the Scottish Cup quarter finals.
Supporters from both teams ran down from the stands at Ibrox with flares thrown and several altercations before the situation was brought under control.
Celtic won the shootout 4-2 to advance to the semi finals after the game ended 0-0.
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An injured man receives medical attention after fans invaded the pitch. AP
Tomas Cvancara's winning spot kick sparked wild celebrations from the away fans, with some running onto the field.
Hundreds of Rangers fans then followed on, with missiles thrown and police and stewards having to form a barrier to restore order.
“Nobody wants to see this in football,” Rangers manager Danny Rohl told Premier Sports.
“It’s unfortunate. Hopefully it doesn’t dilute the performance,” Celtic manager Martin O'Neill added.
An injured steward is carried from the pitch after fans invaded the pitch after the Scottish Cup quarter final. AP
The Scottish Football Association said it had launched an investigation into the incident.
“The Scottish FA condemns the behaviour from supporters entering the field of play," the governing body said in a statement, adding that "an investigation will be carried out immediately.”
The rivalry between Rangers and Celtic is among the fiercest in the sport, with the Glasgow giants long-dominating in Scottish soccer.
But this season has seen Hearts lead the way in the Scottish league, leaving Rangers and Celtic playing catch-up.
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Police officers and stewards force fans back after they invaded the pitch. AP
“Old Firm games, they are explosive games. They always have been. That’s maybe one of the reasons why the derby is one of the best in the world," O'Neill said.
One commentator described the scenes as "lunacy".
"One of the Celtic coaching staff has been attacked by an individual," Premier Sports caller Rory Hamilton said.
"It is an ugly, ugly end to what has been a superb game of football. There is absolutely no need. This is lunacy."
Celtic fans invade the pitch following a penalty shoot out which Celtic won. AP
Police Scotland chief superintendent Kate Stephen slammed the rioting as "shameful" and said it "must be condemned by everyone involved in football and wider society".
"A number of arrests have already been made. Officers and stewards were faced with extreme hostility and violence over a sustained period, with many individuals having armed themselves with items clearly intended to cause harm," she said.
"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."
