NafisaA Celtic supporter has been dismissed from his position after being recorded on video seemingly ridiculing the Ibrox disaster during the Old Firm match on Sunday. This follows disturbing video evidence of the fan mocking the tragedy, which spread rapidly across social media.
In the footage, the individual, now identified as Darren Malloch, is observed deriding the tragedy by showing the number 66 on his phone screen. He then proceeds to gesture the number with his fingers after stowing his mobile device.
The reprehensible act was captured at Ibrox Stadium during Sunday’s Rangers v Celtic encounter. The number refers to the 66 Rangers supporters who perished in the Ibrox disaster 54 years ago in a crush following an Old Firm game on January 2, 1971.
Malloch was employed as a project manager at Advance Construction Scotland, but the firm has since confirmed that his employment has been terminated due to the disgraceful footage.
A spokesperson for Advance Construction told the Record: “We can confirm that an individual has been dismissed from our employment, following an incident involving completely unacceptable behaviour at the recent Rangers v Celtic football match.
“As a company, we hold all employees to the highest standards of conduct, both inside and outside the workplace.
“In line with our disciplinary procedures, we will not tolerate or condone this behaviour. We believe that Police Scotland is also investigating this incident, and therefore, we are unable to make any further comment on the matter.”
Earlier today, Rangers Football Club condemned the “abhorrent” ridicule of the disaster, noting that the tragedy, which occurred in 1971, remains the bleakest day in the club’s history.
Police earlier verified they were examining the video, with investigations still in progress.
A spokesperson for Rangers said: “The Ibrox disaster remains the darkest day in our club’s history and continues to affect a number of families to this day. The mocking and celebration of any tragedy is abhorrent, and has no place in any football stadium or society as a whole.”
Outraged football fans from all sides criticized the video after it was shared on X.
One called it “Pathetic behaviour,” while another commented: “Banter is one thing, but that’s not banter. That’s subhuman taking joy in others dying because they supported a team they hate.”
A third urged the Parkhead side to ban the individual: “Life ban for this scumbag @CelticFC.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of the incident and enquiries are ongoing.”
The points were divided between the Old Firm rivals at Ibrox, as the match concluded 1-1 on Sunday, May 4, in a game filled with controversy both on and off the field.
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