Celtic turn ugly against Rangers as fans clash on pitch after Scottish Cup tie | Football news

The Scottish FA launched an investigation after fans fought on the pitch following the Scottish Cup quarter-final in Glasgow.

The Scottish Football Association has launched an investigation after Celtic defender Julian Araujo and his team’s backroom staff were assaulted by Rangers fans in an ugly brawl following the Scottish Cup quarter-final in Glasgow.

Backed by 7,500 fans, Celtic beat their Old Firm rivals 4-2 on penalties on Sunday after a 0-0 draw after extra-time at Ibrox.

While dozens of visiting Celtic supporters invaded the pitch to celebrate their victory, hundreds of Rangers fans attempted to attack their rivals.

The Glasgow derby – known as the Old Firm – is the oldest and most intense in world football, dating back to 1888. It is fueled by political and religious sects.

Fans threw missiles and fireworks and exchanged blows after police and stewards eventually formed a barrier across the pitch.

A man was arrested by police after Celtic players, including Tomas Quankara, fled the scene amid an incident involving Celtic members of staff.

Cvancara was later interviewed on television with blood stains on his kit, while Celtic right-back Araujo was pushed by Rangers supporters.

The SFA said “an investigation will be carried out immediately in accordance with Judiciary Committee protocol” as it condemned “behavior by supporters entering the playing field”.

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill added: “When we were coming back, I think there was some sort of scuffle; someone tried to go onto the field.

“There’s a natural excitement about winning the game and the fans getting involved. If it goes too far, it’s disappointing.”

The ugly scenes included the biggest allocation of tickets to away fans in the first Old Firm derby for almost a decade.

‘Explosive Games’

After a number of hooligan clashes in previous meetings between the Glasgow rivals, away supporters were banned from matches in 2023 before being allowed to return on a reduced basis last year.

The Scottish Cup tie was seen as a test for a large number of away fans.

O’Neill’s side progressed to the semi-finals despite failing to register a single shot on target in 120 minutes.

In the shoot-out, Rangers captain James Tavernier hit the bar with the first penalty before DJD Gassama blasted over.

Quankara converted to seal Celtic’s victory before exploding in confusion.

“There were some tete-a-tetes. It’s unfortunate. Hopefully it doesn’t detract from the performance,” O’Neill said.

“Old Firm games are explosive games, they always have been. This is probably one of the best derby games in the world.”

Rangers boss Danny Rohl added: “I wasn’t on the pitch at the moment. I haven’t seen it yet. I heard there was something on the pitch.

“I think we all know the emotional situation after a game. Nobody likes to see that.”

Rangers once again stumbled against their hated neighbours, despite collecting 24 shots from VAR with Emmanuel Fernandez’s handball in extra time.

The defeat was a bitter blow after Rangers blew a two-goal half-time lead in a 2-2 draw against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox last weekend.