A Celtic fans’ group is demanding “accountability” regarding the “failure” from those involved to manage the situation properly during the Old Firm at Ibrox.
Following Sunday’s Scottish Cup match at Ibrox against Rangers, the Celtic Fans Collective (CFC) expressed concern over the treatment of supporters before, during, and after the game.
Celtic came out on top, winning 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes.
Groups of supporters from both sides made their way onto the pitch, with several incidents on the day occurring both prior to and after the match.
The CFC’s statement criticised the “dangerous conditions” experienced by Celtic fans as they attempted to enter the stadium, adding that this aspect is being overlooked amid the media focus on post-match disorder.
The fans’ group claimed that Celtic supporters had to endure “dangerous overcrowding” with extended containment in conditions described by many as “crush-like”.
These situations occurred as a stadium approach and entry system that had safely handled a full Broomloan Stand allocation for decades was replaced with arrangements designed for around 2,500 supporters.
The CFC said: “In the week leading up to Sunday’s fixture, many Celtic supporters and the club’s Supporter Liaison Officers raised concerns about the entry protocols proposed by Rangers and Police Scotland …
“On the day, those concerns proved well-founded.
“Large numbers of Celtic supporters were funnelled into a restricted approach route and held there for extended periods before reaching the turnstiles.
“The result was dangerous overcrowding and prolonged containment in conditions many supporters described as crush-like.”
The fans’ group further criticised Police Scotland’s response, claiming that officers in riot gear increased tension and caused injuries, reminiscent of the “Janefield Street incident” of 2018.
They said: “Rather than attempting to ease this congestion, Police Scotland deployed officers in riot gear, increasing tension and causing injuries.
“For many supporters present, this response was reminiscent of the approach taken during the Janefield Street incident in 2018, raising further questions about whether meaningful lessons have been learned.”
Moreover, the CFC criticised the handling of new instructions for Celtic supporters’ bus parking, claiming this left travelling supporters exposed after the match.
The group believes these events raise “serious questions” about the planning and delivery of the policing and crowd management operation surrounding Sunday’s match.
“Supporters had raised concerns in advance, yet the arrangements proceeded regardless and the predicted problems followed,” the CFC stated.
The fans’ group has called on the club to respond to their concerns, from both a supporter conduct and stadium safety perspective.
They said: “Celtic Football Club must also address these concerns…
“In recent months, the club has placed considerable emphasis on matters relating to supporter conduct and stadium safety.
“Given that focus, supporters would reasonably expect to hear from the club and from Head of Safety, Security and Operations Mark Hargreaves on what part he had to play in the matchday operation.”
The fans are questioning his absence on the day, highlighting a lack of confidence in his position.
The statement also raised concerns about the possible re-admission of the Green Brigade, given the low confidence in Police Scotland’s ability to design and implement appropriate plans.
CFC stated: “Supporters do not need another formal review.
“The issues surrounding the policing of Celtic supporters have already been the subject of multiple investigations.
“What is required now is meaningful engagement and concrete action from Police Scotland and Celtic Football Club to ensure that the conditions experienced by thousands of supporters at Ibrox on Sunday cannot happen again.”
Lastly, the group insisted that supporters do not require heavier policing or stricter measures, but “competent planning and safe crowd management.”