Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill fears the shocking scenes at Ibrox Stadium could lead to away supporters being banned from future clashes between Celtic and Rangers.
O’Neill admitted he was deeply disappointed by the disorder that followed Sunday’s dramatic Scottish Cup quarter-final, especially because he felt the atmosphere during the match was among the best he had experienced in years.
Celtic struggled in front of goal throughout the contest, registering just one shot on target during 120 minutes of action. However, they eventually secured their place in the semi-finals at Hampden Park with a penalty shootout victory, thanks to the decisive spot-kick from January signing Tomas Cvancara. The Hoops will now face St Mirren in the last four.
But the dramatic victory was overshadowed by disturbing scenes after the final whistle. Fans from both sides entered the pitch, sparking chaotic moments that marred the occasion.
During the disorder, a member of Celtic’s coaching staff was reportedly assaulted, while several stewards were also attacked. Police Scotland have confirmed that nine arrests have already been made as investigations continue into the incidents.
The match had featured a full away allocation for Celtic supporters for the first time since 2018, with around 7,500 fans housed in the Broomloan Stand at Ibrox. Rangers had agreed to increase the visiting allocation on the understanding that Celtic would provide a similar number of tickets if the sides met at Parkhead in a future cup tie.
However, O’Neill believes the chaos that unfolded after the match could end any hopes of maintaining those larger away sections.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said the noise generated inside the stadium had been remarkable, comparing it to the electric atmosphere when Celtic played Liverpool away in 2003.
O’Neill described the atmosphere as something “magical” but admitted he was saddened by the events that followed. He fears the disorder could result in authorities scrapping the full away allocations at both Ibrox and Celtic Park, something he believes would be a major loss for the fixture.
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