Fans clash on the pitch after Celtic beat Rangers in a tight Scottish Cup clash

Fans clashed on the pitch after Celtic eliminated arch-rivals Rangers in the Scottish Cup at Ibrox on Sunday.

Fighting broke out as dozens of visiting Celtic supporters stormed the pitch to celebrate the quarter-final victory.

That led to a raid by hundreds of Rangers fans, who tried to attack their Old Firm rivals fdsf2.

Rockets and fireworks were thrown before police and stewards eventually formed a barrier across the pitch.

Fans continued to exchange insults on either side of the barrier before order was restored.

The ugly scenes occurred in the first Old Firm derby for almost a decade, with a large number of tickets for away fans.

Following numerous hooligan clashes in previous meetings between the Glasgow rivals, away fans were banned from matches in 2023 before being allowed to return at a discount last year.

The Scottish Cup clash was seen as a test case for the return of a larger number of away fans, but that plan is unlikely to go ahead after the clashes at Ibrox.

Backed by 7,500 fans, Celtic won 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw after extra time.

Martin O’Neill’s side advanced to the semi-finals despite failing to register a single shot on target in 120 minutes.

In the shoot-out, Rangers captain James Tavernier hit the crossbar with the first penalty before Djeidi Gassama fired over the ball.

Tomas Cvancara converted to seal Celtic’s win before chaos broke out.

«There were a few tête-a-têtes. It’s a shame. Hopefully it doesn’t dilute the performance,» O’Neill said.

«It was our fourth game in 10 days and we were really on our feet, but we defended excellently. Blocks, guys throwing their bodies on the line. I have the utmost appreciation for the team.»

«Old Firm games are explosive games, they always have been. That’s perhaps one of the reasons why the derby is one of the best in the world.»

Despite 24 shots and a goal wiped out by VAR following an Emmanuel Fernandez handball in extra time, Rangers were once again up against their hated neighbour.

The defeat was a bitter blow after Rangers squandered a two-goal lead in the 2-2 draw against Celtic in the Scottish Premier League at Ibrox last weekend.

Rangers and Celtic are both trail leaders Hearts in the Scottish title race.

Published on March 8, 2026