Celtic have expressed their shock and disappointment with the SFA stadium closure ruling, stating that Rangers were responsible for safety at last season’s Scottish Cup meeting.
On Friday, the SFA ruled that both clubs need to play their next Scottish Cup fixture behind closed doors, as well as levying a fine of £100,000 on Ibrox and Parkhead.
Serious disorder erupted after the penalty shootout victory for Celtic in the quarter-final of last season’s competition.
An independent report was commissioned, with its findings published last month.
Celtic blame Rangers over Scottish Cup disorder
As reported by STV Sport’s Raman Bhardwaj, Celtic appear to have absolved themselves and their fans of responsibility for the actions that unfolded.
“Celtic response to stadium closure ruling: they say they are shocked with ruling, adding Rangers were responsible for stadium safety for Scottish Cup match last season.”
Reaction to fines and Scottish Cup stadium closures for Rangers and Celtic
Is anything ever Celtic’s fault?
How can they just wash their hands of any responsibility over their fans’ conduct that day at Ibrox?
The Celtic pitch invasion was the catalyst for everything that happened after it, including the unacceptable actions from some of the Rangers fans on the pitch.
They will face consequences, and Rangers will rightly face action over what happened, but let’s get real.
Celtic fans wanted their party on the Ibrox pitch, to ‘take over ‘, and to gloat over their victory. It wasn’t just a matter of celebration, given that away fans were clearly goading home fans in the Main and Govan stands.
In such a highly charged derby environment, that will always trigger a reaction.
SFA take the easy way out
We are yet to hear about the police’s responsibility that day.
What happens after both ends were inadequately covered and resourced that day?
The same punishment and fine handed out to the Old Firm clubs seems a bit hollow, and it will be interesting to see what happens if the next home game for either produces an Old Firm tie!
The £100,000 payment will have to be made to the upcoming opponents within 30 days of completion of the match.
Rangers and Celtic are due to enter the Scottish Cup in Round four in January.
Both clubs have the right to appeal this sanction.
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