Title: Celtic Fan Group Blasts Police Scotland Over Ibrox Chaos as Questions Raised Over Hoops Leadership Absence
A prominent Celtic supporters’ group has strongly criticised Police Scotland following the chaotic scenes surrounding the recent Old Firm clash at Ibrox, while also turning its attention inward by questioning the unexplained absence of a key Celtic official during the controversial events.
The high-tension derby between Celtic and Rangers once again proved to be a flashpoint, but this time the fallout extended beyond the pitch. In the hours before and after the match, supporters reported confusion, heavy-handed policing, and poor crowd management around Ibrox Stadium. Several fans claimed that routes were unexpectedly closed, leaving large numbers of travelling supporters bottlenecked in tight areas without clear direction from authorities.
In a sharply worded statement, the supporters’ organisation condemned what it described as “a failure of planning and communication” by Police Scotland. According to the group, many Celtic fans were left feeling unsafe and unnecessarily targeted during routine security operations.
“Supporters were herded into restricted spaces with little explanation and no visible coordination,” the statement read. “This was entirely avoidable and created unnecessary risk for ordinary fans simply attending a football match.”
The group also criticised the level of force used by some officers during attempts to control the crowd, claiming that the response appeared disproportionate given the circumstances. Witnesses reported tense exchanges between police and supporters as frustration grew among those trying to enter or leave the stadium area.
However, the criticism was not limited to law enforcement. The same fan organisation expressed deep concern over the absence of a senior Celtic figure who, they argue, should have been present to represent supporters and liaise with authorities on the day of the match.
The official in question — described by the group as a key liaison between the club and supporters — was said to be “inexplicably absent” despite the fixture being widely recognised as one of the most sensitive and logistically challenging in Scottish football.
“Given the history and scale of this fixture, it is extraordinary that the individual responsible for supporter engagement was not in attendance,” the statement continued. “When issues arise, Celtic supporters deserve visible representation from the club.”
The group suggested that the lack of a club representative may have contributed to the communication breakdown experienced by fans throughout the day. They argued that a senior presence could have helped mediate concerns with police and stadium officials before tensions escalated.
Old Firm matches have long required meticulous planning due to the fierce rivalry between the two Glasgow clubs. Security operations typically involve coordinated efforts between the clubs, local authorities, and Police Scotland to manage the movement of thousands of supporters in a confined area.
Despite those measures, criticism of matchday policing has become increasingly common in recent seasons, with supporters’ groups on both sides of the rivalry raising concerns about access routes, crowd containment strategies, and communication with fans.
In response to the backlash, Police Scotland indicated that it reviews operations after every major event and will examine feedback from supporters and other stakeholders. The force defended its officers’ actions, stating that public safety remains its primary concern when policing high-risk fixtures.
Meanwhile, the Celtic supporters’ group insists the issues must not be brushed aside. They are calling for a full review involving the club, police, and fan representatives to ensure that future Old Firm matches are handled more effectively.
With emotions still raw after another explosive derby, the controversy highlights the delicate balance required to manage one of football’s most intense rivalries — both on and off the pitch.
