Rangers

Rangers & Celtic react to Old Firm fan disorder as SFA launch independent review

Rangers say “all parties must be prepared to have their actions and decision-making subjected to proper scrutiny”, with Celtic referencing “serious concerns” raised by supporters about pre-match access arrangements.

The Ibrox club have called for the review to be “thorough and wide-ranging” and to “include the broader context” around the match, from initial decisions on ticket allocation through to the post-match incidents.

Their statement adds: “The disorder that occurred on Sunday was unacceptable and we condemn it unequivocally. Safety must always come first in football, for supporters, players and everyone working in and around the game.

“There are now a number of serious issues which require proper examination. For that reason, we agree that there should be a fully independent review into the events surrounding the match.”

Rangers have vowed to represent the club and their supporters “robustly” but say they will take action – “including the potential withdrawal of ticketing privileges and stadium bans” – against anyone identified and convicted.

The club also say they are “appalled” to discover graffiti mocking the Ibrox disaster, which claimed the lives of 66 supporters in January 1971.

They add: “To desecrate their memory is vile. It is cowardly. It is shameful. This is not football rivalry and it is not banter. It is the abuse of a tragedy that claimed 66 lives.”

Meanwhile, Celtic say they are awaiting a response from the Green Brigade regarding safety and security measures – as required by the police and Glasgow City Council’s Safety Advisory Group – to allow the club “to advocate re-entry” of the banned fan group to Celtic Park.

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Rangers v Celtic: Danny Rohl wants ‘hot heart and smart mind’ from hosts

While seven league defeats have curtailed Celtic’s defence of the title, 11 draws have left Rangers frustrated in their pursuit of Hearts.

The most recent was a 2-2 draw from two down at Livingston last week while Celtic lost at home to Hibernian. The weekend before, Rangers recovered from 1-0 and 2-1 down to defeat Hearts 4-2 at Ibrox.

“My team showed character, big personality in the last couple of weeks,” Rohl added.

“Also to come back away in Celtic, in the stadium there after 1-0 down, showed that even if the game goes in one direction, what we don’t want, we always have a chance to come back.

“Yeah, we dropped two points [at Livingston]. We missed two points. But let’s turn it in a positive way. At the end, we won one point after 2-0 down.

“When you are a manager and you have the chance to play at home this kind of game, then you are also on fire. We are on fire. It was a good training week so far.

“I feel the confidence, I feel the belief. It’s not just about the shape and the tactic, but it’s also about how we go in duels, how we win the balls, how we play forward.”

The German said: “It’s a crucial game, but no team will be out after this game because there are still 27 points you can take. It’s two matchdays and you are in the title race again.

“It’s a crucial one because when you come closer and closer to the end of the season and there is more and more in, then you know every game is important.”

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