Sunday’s Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox was one for the ages on the pitch. With Celtic leading 2-1 with five minutes to go, a remarkable seven minutes saw Rangers equalise, Celtic regain the lead, and Rabbi Matondo equalise again in the third minute of stoppage time to claim a point which means the title is still in Rangers’ hands.
Unfortunately, off the pitch the match was much uglier. With a glass bottle and other missiles apparently being thrown at Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley and assistant manager John Kennedy, Celtic have now confirmed they will speak to Police Scotland about the incident.
What have Celtic said about the missiles thrown during the Old Firm?
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Celtic officials are clearly angry about the apparent targeting of their players and staff. A spokesperson said: “It has been confirmed today that a glass bottle was thrown at Matt O'Riley at yesterday’s match.”
“The repeated targeting of our players and staff with missiles is quite appalling and completely unacceptable. We have already raised our serious concerns with Rangers and understand that police are investigating the matter.”
Police Scotland responded, saying: “We are aware of an object being thrown at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, during the Rangers v Celtic match on Sunday. One man was struck but did not require treatment and inquiries are ongoing.”
Is this the only time missiles have been thrown in the Old Firm?
Unfortunately, there is a precedent for missiles being thrown in matches between Rangers and Celtic.
In April 2022, during another game at Ibrox, a Celtic physiotherapist was hit on the head by a glass bottle. After that game, glass also had to be removed from the Celtic penalty area.
In May of the same year, after a match at Celtic Park, Rangers said that its supporters, including elderly and disabled fans, had been hit by bottles and other missiles thrown by Celtic fans. A spokesperson said that fans had been left “unprotected” by staff at the ground.
Following the same game, Celtic said that their own fans and stewards had been hit by seats which had allegedly been torn from the stands.
Was this the only trouble around Sunday’s Old Firm derby?
The game was also marred by other violence in the lead up to Sunday. As the video below shows, there were clashes on Saturday as well.
06.04.2024🏴Rangers vs Celtic
Info Rangers: Rangers find out Celtic are in the city after saying they wouldn't be. 30 UB attacked while RRC were held nearby by police. 1 minute fight before police takeover https://t.co/Fjy3xrlEmQ pic.twitter.com/dFSy6qQRev— Hooligans.cz Official (@hooliganscz1999) April 6, 2024