Celtic’s Scottish Cup win overshadowed by chaotic scenes after penalty shootout | OneFootball

Celtic’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Rangers was overshadowed by the post-match scenes which unfurled at Ibrox Stadium as fans from both clubs flooded the pitch and released flares and projectiles at each other.

A flock of police officers and stewards were called into action to separate both sets of supporters and quickly gained control of the situation by forming a barricade as pyrotechnics were thrown from end to end.

This match was the first one in a decade that had allowed a sizeable amount of away supporters inside the ground for an Old Firm derby between the two Glasgow rivals.

Celtic had around 7,500 fans in the away end and hundreds of them stormed the pitch following Tomas Cvancara’s winning spot kick with Rangers supporters quickly following them.

The Scottish FA released a statement following the ugly scenes and announced that there will be an investigation into supporters entering the field of play.

They said: “The Scottish FA condemns the behaviour from supporters entering the field of play following today's Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final at Ibrox Stadium.

“An investigation will be carried out immediately in line with the Judicial Panel Protocol.”

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill was caught up the melee as he attempted to marshall his players off the pitch during the ugly scenes with fans wanting to get photos with him.

Speaking to Premier Sports after the match, O’Neill hoped that the post-game scenes would not take away from his team’s victory and performance.

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(Steve Welsh/PA Wire)

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(Steve Welsh/PA Wire)

He said: "There were a few tete-a-tetes, anyway. It's unfortunate. Hopefully it doesn't dilute the performance.

"It was our fourth game in 10 days and we were really out on our feet, but we defended magnificently. Blocks, boys throwing their bodies on the line. I've got the utmost regard for the team.

"Old Firm games 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.

"We had to defend for long periods in the game and we did that magnificently. It was a tough afternoon for us, but we came through it and we finally won the game.”

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(Steve Welsh/PA Wire)

Rangers manager Danny Rohl was also asked about the fracas and admitted he had left the pitch before it kicked off after the penalty shootout.

“I’m honest, I wasn’t on the pitch I didn’t see it until now,” Rohl explained. “I think we all know it’s an emotional situation after the game but nobody likes to see this.

“I think it was a great atmosphere for 120 minutes and all the other things should not be in the stadium around football.”