NafisaRangers’ celebrations after another huge Old Firm victory were overshadowed by an ugly incident in Glasgow as the team returned to Ibrox following their 1-0 win over Celtic.
The victory had already sparked wild scenes among Rangers supporters, with hundreds gathering as the first-team squad made its way back from Celtic Park.
But amid those celebrations, an incident involving one of Rangers’ coaching staff members quickly added another worrying twist to an already chaotic afternoon.
Craig Clark’s Mercedes was reportedly targeted while Rangers fans celebrated the victory.
Images circulating on social media appeared to show the rear window of the coach’s vehicle completely shattered after it was struck by what was thought to be part of a firework.
Clark could subsequently be seen standing beside his damaged vehicle alongside a supporter, visibly frustrated by what had happened.
The incident occurred as the Rangers contingent returned to Ibrox following another memorable victory over their city rivals.
Derek McInnes’ side had secured a 1-0 victory at Celtic Park, their second win over Celtic in the space of just eight days after the 3-0 League Cup triumph at Ibrox the previous weekend.
But while Rangers supporters were celebrating what had been another hugely significant result on the pitch, events elsewhere in Glasgow were taking an altogether darker turn.
And another incident involving a Celtic supporters’ bus would soon add to the drama surrounding the Old Firm clash.
Celtic supporters’ bus engulfed in flames
Firefighters were scrambled to a serious blaze involving a Celtic supporters’ coach on the Clyde Gateway, close to the Emirates Arena in the east end of Glasgow.
The emergency call was made at around 2.25pm, with dramatic footage later showing the single-decker vehicle completely engulfed in flames.
The fire could be seen ripping through the rear of the coach as fire crews worked to bring the blaze under control.
The vehicle, operated by McLean’s Coaches, had been due to transport Celtic supporters home following the match.
Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.
Fans were escorted from the vehicle while emergency services dealt with the blaze.
McLean’s subsequently said it believed the fire may have been caused by vandalism.
The company said: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our coaches on the Clyde Gateway earlier today. Based on the initial information and images we have received, we have reason to believe the incident may have been caused by vandalism.
“The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities, who are investigating the circumstances. The vehicle has been recovered and will undergo a full inspection.
“We would like to thank the emergency services and everyone who assisted at the scene.”
The circumstances surrounding the fire remain subject to investigation, but its timing and location added to an increasingly tense atmosphere following the derby.
Police confirm arrest after Old Firm clash
The incidents surrounding the fixture came as police also dealt with trouble during the match itself.
Police Scotland confirmed that a 39-year-old man had been arrested in connection with an alleged assault involving a police officer and medical staff.
He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, September 21.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a call at 2:25pm to a single decker passenger coach well alight on Clyde Gateway outside the Emirates Arena in the east end of Glasgow today, September 20. Fire crews remain in attendance. There are no reports of any casualties.”
The arrest, the burning supporters’ bus and the damage to Clark’s vehicle have all added to the fallout from an Old Firm derby that was already packed with controversy.
On the pitch, Rangers had emerged victorious once again.
Off it, however, the aftermath produced scenes that will inevitably attract further scrutiny as authorities investigate exactly what happened.
With emotions running high after another Rangers victory over Celtic, the incidents provided a troubling backdrop to what had otherwise been another huge day in Glasgow football.
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