NafisaSCOTTISH FOOTBALL ERUPTS as Rangers have launched a blistering official response following the independent review into the chaotic Old Firm clash with Celtic, accusing the Scottish FA of ignoring repeated safety warnings and effectively helping Celtic by forcing through a controversial ticket allocation that dramatically increased the risk of disorder.
The Ibrox club accepted responsibility for failings within their own control and confirmed they will implement the recommendations from the review. However, Rangers insisted the report failed to properly examine the role played by the Scottish FA, arguing that the governing body ignored their concerns before the explosive March showdown.
In a strongly-worded statement, Rangers revealed they had urged officials to maintain the previous away ticket agreement between the two clubs, warning that increasing Celtic’s allocation would significantly raise security risks. Despite those warnings, the Scottish FA proceeded with plans to hand Celtic around 8,000 tickets for the fixture.
Rangers stressed that they responded by introducing enhanced security measures, including additional stewards, tighter ticket checks, revised arrival procedures, increased turnstile monitoring and extra resources around exits. But despite those precautions, they claimed their plans were overwhelmed by supporters determined to cause disorder.
The Glasgow giants condemned those responsible for forcing entry, invading the pitch, using pyrotechnics, throwing missiles, vandalising sections of the stadium and directing offensive abuse relating to the Ibrox Disaster. The club also praised police officers and stewards for restoring order during the chaotic scenes.
However, the strongest criticism was reserved for the Scottish FA.
Rangers argued the independent review should have scrutinised the governing body’s decisions just as thoroughly as those of the clubs involved, describing the lack of examination as a “significant omission.”
The club also rejected suggestions within the report that Scottish football should move towards restoring full away allocations between Rangers and Celtic.
Instead, Rangers made it clear they have no plans to return to historic Old Firm ticket allocations at Ibrox and called on the Scottish FA to review its own ticket allocation rules and decision-making process following the events of the fixture.
The club confirmed the board will oversee new safety measures going forward, while supporters will be consulted through the Fan Advisory Board.
Rangers also revealed they have already introduced a stricter supporter conduct and sanctions policy, with ticketing accounts suspended, bans issued and further disciplinary action expected against individuals identified through police investigations and available evidence.
Looking beyond the Old Firm fixture, Rangers backed stronger national coordination on football safety and welcomed proposals from the Scottish Government to strengthen Football Banning Orders. They also called for legislation to specifically address abuse relating to tragedies such as the Ibrox Disaster.
While accepting parts of the review, Rangers’ statement leaves little doubt that they believe the Scottish FA must also answer difficult questions over its handling of the match.
The club insisted meaningful progress will only be achieved if every organisation involved accepts accountability for the decisions that contributed to one of Scottish football’s most controversial days in recent memory.
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