Ibrox unrest sparks identical SFA charges for Celtic and Rangers

While the March quarter‑final at Ibrox saw Celtic and Rangers teeter on the brink of a violent clash, the Scottish Football Association has now issued identical disciplinary notices to both clubs, signalling a formal response to the unrest that followed the Scottish Cup tie.

Both Rangers and Celtic have been charged with breaching the Scottish Football Association’s rule 37. The rule focuses on maintaining good order and security and prohibits unacceptable conduct. The SFA alleges each club failed to meet the required policies and procedures.

The clubs will appear before an independent judicial panel on 13 August. The hearing will consider whether the clubs’ actions breached the rule’s provisions on identifying and dealing with supporters who engage in unacceptable conduct. Identical notices of complaint were released as the SFA published its independent review of the quarter‑final incident.

The unrest followed the Scottish Cup quarter‑final on 8 March, when Celtic emerged victorious after a penalty shoot‑out. Visiting supporters spilled onto the pitch to celebrate, prompting home fans to confront them as fireworks were exchanged. Police and stewards reported injuries and at least 37 arrests were made.

The independent review described the events as a “near miss”, saying the scenes came within a very small margin of a violent mass confrontation. Lead author Mark Blackbourne warned that a crushing incident was a real and foreseeable risk because non‑compliant Ultra group fans surged past police and stewards. He also noted that Ultra groups wield disproportionate power over clubs and the wider supporter base.

The report highlighted that this was the first Old Firm fixture since 2018 to allow a full allocation of away fans. It criticised the current sanctions framework for holding individuals accountable while largely insulating clubs from the consequences of supporters’ behaviour. The lack of independent external scrutiny of clubs’ or Police Scotland’s operational plans for high‑risk fixtures was also flagged.

The review called for stronger sanctions, including possible stadium and stand closures, arguing the SFA has the disciplinary powers to act more severely but has chosen not to use them. It described the governing body’s approach as too modest and inconsistent. The authors argued that the existing framework provides insufficient motivation for clubs to curb supporter misconduct.

Chief executive Ian Maxwell said, “We will work together with the SPFL, clubs, Police Scotland and Scottish government to ensure no repeat of the events that tarnished the image and reputation of the game.” The statement underscores a collaborative effort to prevent a recurrence.

An independent SFA judicial panel will also consider the review’s recommendations, meaning the outcome could shape future sanction policies and the handling of high‑risk fixtures.