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Rangers say they “unequivocally” condemn Sunday’s “unacceptable” Old Firm fan disorder and they support the Scottish FA launching an independent review of the Scottish Cup quarter-final with Celtic at Ibrox.
Supporters and police officers were injured, and a number of people have been arrested following clashes between fans on the pitch after Celtic’s penalty shoot-out win.
The SFA hope the review will “ensure no repeat” of what unfolded, which they say “tarnished the image and reputation of the game”.
The governing body’s compliance officer is gathering evidence from the match and “any alleged breaches will be notified to relevant parties in line with the judicial panel protocol”.
Celtic are yet to issue a statement in the aftermath of the crowd trouble.
Rangers say “all parties must be prepared to have their actions and decision-making subjected to proper scrutiny”.
They have also called for the review to be “thorough and wide-ranging” and for it to “include the broader context” around the match, including initial decisions on ticket allocation through to the post-match incidents.
The Ibrox club’s statement adds: “The disorder that occurred on Sunday was unacceptable and we condemn it unequivocally. Safety must always come first in football, for supporters, players and everyone working in and around the game.
“There are now a number of serious issues which require proper examination. For that reason, we agree that there should be a fully independent review into the events surrounding the match.”
Rangers have vowed to represent the club and their supporters “robustly” but say they will take action – “including the potential withdrawal of ticketing privileges and stadium bans” – against anyone identified and convicted.
The Govan club also say they are “appalled” to discover graffiti mocking the Ibrox disaster, which claimed the lives of 66 supporters in January 1971.
They add: “To desecrate their memory is vile. It is cowardly. It is shameful. This is not football rivalry and it is not banter. It is the abuse of a tragedy that claimed 66 lives.”
