News Story
Old Firm disorder appalling, says minister as action urged to prevent recurrence
PA Media
Siobhian Brown said she had conversations with the SFA and SPFL following Sunday´s violent scenes at Ibrox.
Received: 15:32:42 on 10th March 2026
Behaviour at Sunday’s Old Firm game in Glasgow was “appalling” and action must be taken to prevent any recurrence, community safety minister Siobhian Brown has said.
Police have made nine arrests following disorder at the Scottish Cup tie, which saw Celtic beat Rangers after a penalty shootout.
The violence was raised in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, with independent MSP John Mason asking the Government what discussions have taken place with football authorities regarding the incident.
Ms Brown said: “I join the member in condemning the appalling behaviour of those fans who invaded the pitch and acted in a violent and a disorderly manner, ruining what had otherwise been an exciting football experience for fans.
“Disorder of this nature is not acceptable and risks the safety of the players, the fans, stewards and also the police officers.”
Several officers and members of the public were injured after fans invaded the pitch in the immediate aftermath of Celtic’s victory over their Glasgow rivals.
Dozens of travelling fans entered the pitch to celebrate and more than 100 Rangers supporters charged to confront them.
Police and stewards formed a barrier to prevent large-scale interaction, but there was violence and missiles, including a lit flare, were thrown.
Ms Brown continued: “I spoke to Police Scotland yesterday evening and have this morning spoken to both the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Professional Football League.
“We are of one mind that this behaviour is not acceptable and that the action must be taken to prevent recurrence.
“We all need to play our part here, and I am reassured that police, football authorities and football clubs want to work with us to ensure that there is no repeat of the scenes that we witnessed on Sunday.”
Speaking to the Press Association on Monday, First Minister John Swinney said: “The violence after the Old Firm game yesterday at Ibrox was completely and utterly unacceptable there is no justification for it whatsoever.
“There was severe danger applied to fans and to police officers and to stewards, it was completely unacceptable in every respect.”