Rangers have been told to take decisive action following the chaotic scenes that marred their recent Old Firm clash with Celtic at Ibrox Stadium.
The club has since held talks with city authorities, with pressure mounting to ensure there is no repeat of the disorder that overshadowed one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
Rangers keen to avoid Old Firm repeat after Safety and Advisory Group meeting
The flashpoint came after Celtic’s Scottish Cup quarter-final victory on March 8th, when dozens of away supporters spilt onto the pitch at full-time.
That sparked a reaction from home fans, many from the Union Bears section in the Copland Road Stand, who also entered the field and moved towards a police cordon.
Missiles and flares were thrown during the disorder, with at least one supporter injured and several arrests made.
Police Scotland later described the scenes as “despicable”, while the Scottish FA confirmed a full review into the incident.
In response, Rangers have now met with the Safety and Advisory Group, which includes representatives from Glasgow City Council, emergency services and police, and pledged to take all necessary steps to prevent further breaches, as per the Daily Mail.
The disorder has also cast doubt over the future of larger away allocations at Old Firm fixtures.
The match had marked a rare return to a significant travelling support, with around 7,500 Celtic fans in attendance, but that arrangement now appears unlikely to continue.
FGG says: Rangers must restore control without losing atmosphere
Rangers are right to act swiftly, but the Scottish giants must address safety concerns without completely stripping away the intensity that makes the Old Firm so unique.
The Old Firm rivalry is one of the best in world football and thrives on passion, noise and edge, although it really doesn’t need scenes like this to define it.
Incidents involving pitch invasions, flares and violence risk damaging not just the fixture’s reputation, but also supporter safety.
Both clubs, local authorities and fan groups all have a key role to play in preventing escalation, however.