Celtic F.C. release Thursday night statement as Scottish Football Association launches inquiry into Ibrox fallout
Celtic F.C. have issued an official response following the chaotic scenes at Ibrox on Sunday, as the Scottish Football Association confirmed an independent inquiry will investigate the incidents surrounding the Scottish Cup derby against Rangers F.C..
The Hoops progressed in the Scottish Cup after winning a tense penalty shootout at Ibrox, but the dramatic victory was overshadowed by disorder that unfolded after the final kick.
Celtic chairman addresses aftermath
Interim Celtic chairman Brian Wilson spoke publicly about the situation, focusing particularly on the reaction of supporters following the winning penalty.
Wilson described the immediate response from Celtic fans as an emotional moment of celebration rather than something more sinister.
He explained that supporters entering the pitch after a dramatic victory is not unusual in football and has occurred multiple times across Scottish matches this season. However, he stressed that the context of such incidents must be considered before conclusions are drawn.
Call for evidence before judgement
Wilson urged observers to wait for the full investigation before forming opinions about the events at Ibrox.
According to the Celtic chief, the club welcomes the SFA’s decision to launch a full review of the matchday safety and security operation. He emphasised that any evidence of violence or threats should be condemned, but insisted the facts must be established first.
His comments appeared aimed at what he believes is an oversimplified narrative suggesting both sets of supporters were equally responsible for the trouble.
Criticism of reaction and focus on action
Wilson also questioned whether public statements alone can address the long-running tensions surrounding Old Firm clashes.
He suggested that if condemnation was enough to solve such issues, the problem would have been resolved decades ago, arguing that meaningful action is more important than words.
Investigation now underway
The SFA’s Compliance Officer is currently gathering evidence related to the derby, while a separate independent review will examine matchday security arrangements.
With the investigation now moving forward, the focus will shift from speculation to determining exactly what happened during one of the most intense fixtures in the Scottish football calendar.
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