‘Shameful’ Scenes at Ibrox Overshadow Celtic’s Scottish Cup Shoot-out Victory Over Rangers

Violent clashes between supporters marred Celtic’s Scottish Cup quarter-final victory over Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday, prompting an investigation by the Scottish Football Association.

The match ended goalless after 120 minutes before Celtic triumphed 4–2 in the penalty shoot-out to secure their place in the semi-finals. However, the dramatic conclusion was overshadowed by chaotic scenes as supporters from both clubs clashed on the pitch.

Pitch invasion sparks clashes

Following Celtic’s shoot-out victory, dozens of away supporters entered the pitch in celebration. The situation quickly escalated when hundreds of Rangers fans also surged onto the field, leading to confrontations between rival supporters.

Missiles were reportedly thrown as police officers and stewards attempted to form a barrier between the two sets of fans.

Police Scotland confirmed on Sunday evening that several arrests had already been made and that both officers and members of the public were injured during the disorder.

Authorities also confirmed that an investigation would be carried out in cooperation with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association.

Police condemn ‘shameful’ behaviour

Chief Superintendent Kate Stephen strongly condemned the incidents that unfolded after the final whistle.

“The behaviour of a number of supporters at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox today was shameful,” she said.

“It must be condemned by everyone involved in football and wider society.

“A number of arrests have already been made, and Police Scotland will now work with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association to carry out a robust investigation following the scenes on the pitch at the conclusion of the match.

“Officers and stewards were faced with extreme hostility and violence over a sustained period, with many individuals having armed themselves with items clearly intended to cause harm.

“Officers and members of the public have been injured in this despicable display and I would like to express my thanks to all officers and staff deployed.”

Stephen also confirmed that investigators would examine reports that some supporters entered the Broomloan Road stand without tickets before the match began, which caused delays to security procedures and forced turnstiles to be temporarily closed.

Celtic prevail in penalty shoot-out

On the pitch, the fiercely contested derby produced few clear-cut chances despite Rangers dominating large portions of the match.

The decisive moment came during the penalty shoot-out when Rangers captain James Tavernier struck the crossbar with the first spot-kick. Substitute Djeidi Gassama then sent his attempt over the bar before Tomáš Čvančara converted the final penalty to seal Celtic’s 4–2 victory.

VAR decisions shape the contest

Celtic striker Daizen Maeda had a goal ruled out following a VAR review for offside, while Rangers also saw a goal disallowed after Emmanuel Fernandez was adjudged to have handled the ball before it crossed the line.

Statistics highlighted Rangers’ dominance, with the hosts registering 24 shots throughout the match. However, they struggled to seriously test Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, with several attempts blocked inside the penalty area.

Key absences for both sides

Celtic were without captain Callum McGregor and defender Kieran Tierney after both sustained injuries during their midweek victory over Aberdeen.

Luke McCowan was introduced into central midfield, while Liam Scales moved to left-back as Auston Trusty returned to the starting line-up following a three-match league suspension. Maeda led the attack through the middle.

Rangers also made notable changes, with John Souttar and Tochi Chukwuani starting on the bench.

Rangers dominate but fail to convert chances

The home side began strongly and created early pressure. There was an early flashpoint when Trusty blocked Youssef Chermiti’s shot with his arm, but VAR official Andrew Dallas did not advise referee Don Robertson to review the incident as the defender’s arm appeared to be close to his body.

Rangers continued to control much of the first half, although Celtic gradually grew into the match.

The visiting supporters believed their side had taken the lead ten minutes before the interval when Maeda scored with a diving header. However, VAR ruled that Scales had been offside before providing the final touch from McCowan’s cross.

Dujon Sterling and Chermiti both fired efforts over the crossbar before the break.

Celtic hold firm under pressure

Rangers dominated possession during the second half and spent long periods in the Celtic half.

Goalkeeper Sinisalo dealt confidently with aerial deliveries and reacted quickly to deny Chermiti after a defensive error by Benjamin Arthur.

Celtic’s defence was forced into several crucial last-ditch blocks, particularly from Trusty and Sebastian Tounekti, to keep the score level.

As Rangers’ physical advantage began to push Celtic deeper into their own half, the visitors finished the 90 minutes with a completely reshaped attacking trio of Joel Mvuka, Čvančara and James Forrest.

Extra-time drama

The pattern of play continued into extra time, with Rangers maintaining attacking pressure.

Substitute Dane Murray produced a vital block to deny Chermiti, while Rangers again saw the ball in the net only for VAR to rule it out after Fernandez handled the ball from a corner.

Chermiti later volleyed wide from a promising position, and Sinisalo made an important save to deny Nedim Bajrami as the hosts pushed for a breakthrough.

Rangers won the coin toss ahead of the penalty shoot-out but ultimately failed to capitalise in front of the Copland Road Stand, allowing Celtic to progress — though the victory was ultimately overshadowed by the troubling scenes that followed.