Police Chief Criticises Celtic And Rangers After Old Firm Disorder

Scotland's apical constabulary serviceman has accused Rangers and Celtic of failing to condemn convulsive scenes that collapsed retired aft Sunday's Old Firm lucifer astatine Ibrox.

Fans and constabulary officers were injured and a number of group person been arrested pursuing clashes betwixt supporters connected nan transportation pursuing Celtic's punishment shootout win.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell said that no-one from either nine had travel retired to condemn nan disorder.

Speaking astatine nan Scottish Parliament connected Wednesday morning, she said much needed to beryllium done to let group to be matches without fearing for their safety.

Farrell said she had not spoken to either nine since nan events connected Sunday.

The Scottish Football Association issued a connection little than 40 minutes aft nan lucifer ended, condemning nan scenes and confirming an investigation would beryllium carried retired "immediately".

Both clubs person been progressive connected societal media since nan disorder, pinch Celtic marking 61 years since European Cup-winning head Jock Stein was appointed and Rangers posting a day connection to goalkeeper Jack Butland.

BBC Scotland News has contacted Celtic and Rangers for comment.

Farrell told Holyrood's nationalist audit committee that expanding resources astir shot matches was possible, but it would "not lick nan underlying issues".

She described nan scenes arsenic "absolutely disgraceful" adding that she condemned those progressive successful nan violence.

"When we sewage to Monday evening, location was still nary commentary from either of those clubs successful respect of nan unit that was witnessed," she said.

"Nobody came retired to condemn that violence.

"We tin put much and much resources into football, but that does not lick nan underlying rumor that group will beryllium capable to be those events without fearing for their safety."

A 47-year-old man was charged pinch assaults connected a coach and subordinate aft fans invaded nan transportation astatine nan extremity of nan game, while a 54-year-old man was charged pinch assaulting a constabulary officer.

Three different men, aged 20, 23 and 54, person besides been charged successful relationship pinch nan superior battle of a man connected Helen Street aft nan match.

All are owed to look successful tribunal astatine a later date.

A 10-year-old boy was struck by a coin during nan melee, while constabulary investigations into vandalism and graffiti are besides nether way.

Farrell added: "Fans, families, friends, group moving astatine nan clubs, my officers, do not spell location and activity wrong that situation to person aliases beryllium connected nan receiving extremity of threats and violence.

"We witnessed 1 of my officers being deliberately tripped connected that transportation arsenic she ran to connection assistance to group successful nan stadium.