Celtic’s interim chairman says the club are “disappointed” in comments made by Scotland’s top police officer following violence and disorder at the Old Firm derby.
Fans clashed on the field after the Hoops knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup on penalties on Sunday.
Dozens of Celtic fans ran onto the pitch in celebration, followed by hundreds of Rangers fans who were able to breach the stewards.
Police have so far confirmed nine arrests following the violence, which saw officers, supporters, members of coaching staff, and players assaulted.
A ten-year-old child was also struck by a coin as items, including pyrotechnics, were thrown by supporters.
Scotland’s top police officer slammed both clubs for failing to condemn the violence and disorder earlier this week.
On Thursday, Rangers said in a statement that the disorder was “unacceptable” and welcomed calls for an independent review.
Celtic’s interim chairman, Brian Wilson, said the club was “disappointed” in the comments made by Chief Constable Jo Farrell.
He insisted Celtic “work closely” with Police Scotland and says concerns about access arrangements prior to the game will be addressed with officers, the SFA and Rangers.
He told Celtic TV: “When there is evidence of unacceptable behaviours, we act against both individuals and groups.
“Measuring responses by condemnatory statements isn’t really accurate. If this could be resolved by statements of condemnation, it would have been resolved decades ago. It is actions that matter.
“If you’re going to ask for condemnation, you have to be more specific. There are certainly things that I would happily condemn and regret.
“The highest-profile aspect of this was after the penalty went in and Celtic had won.
“There was a euphoric response from our supporters. It’s not uncommon, in fact its happened on numerous occasions this season in Scottish football, where you have an overspill onto the pitch. That in itself does not normally draw expressions of condemnation.”
Wilson added the club also welcomes calls for an independent review, adding: “If there’s evidence of violence and threats of violence, then of course I will condemn that.
“Let’s look at the evidence before we create a false narrative.”
A club statement added: “There are clearly serious issues to be addressed and examples of unacceptable behaviour which require appropriate responses.”
Speaking at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, the chief constable said: “Members of the public were injured, officers were injured, lots of coverage in the media in relation to the events of Sunday afternoon.
“When we got to Monday evening, there was still no commentary from either of those clubs in respect of the violence that was witnessed. Nobody came out to condemn that violence.
“We can put more and more resources into football, but that doesn’t solve the underlying issue that people should be able to attend those events without fearing for their safety.”
‘We condemn it unequivocally’
A flare or firework flies through the air as fans invade the pitch at Ibrox after the Old Firm match on Sunday, March 8. SNS Group
On Thursday, Rangers warned of sanctions, potential withdrawal of ticketing privileges and stadium bans should individuals be identified and convicted of offences connected to the match.
The club said in a statement: “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.
“What we can say now is that issues of stadium safety and the legacy of the Ibrox Disaster are deeply personal to this club.
“We were appalled to discover graffiti within the stadium referencing that tragedy. The memory of the 66 supporters who lost their lives in January 1971 deserves dignity and respect.
“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.
“Finally, it is important that the reputation of Rangers supporters is treated fairly in this discussion. Tens of thousands of people attended Ibrox on Sunday simply to support their team with pride and to watch a football match. We will not accept a narrative that ignores the full context of what happened.”
Celtic and Rangers to face off again
The teams are due to face off again in the post-Premiership split next month, but the allocation of away fans will be smaller than that of Sunday’s Scottish Cup game.
7,500 away tickets were given to Celtic for Sunday’s match at Ibrox to comply with Scottish Cup rules.
However, police have now said that it is “unlikely” that an allocation of the same size seen on Sunday would be allowed unless significant action and conversations are had between police, clubs, the SFA and the local authority.
Three men, aged 54, 23 and 20, were arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault of a man on Helen Street following the match.
Officers confirmed on Monday that a 47-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an assault on a coach and player at the end of the match. He was released to appear at a later date.
There were also other arrests in relation to a number of offences, including abuse towards officers and culpable and reckless conduct.
Vandalism and graffiti within the stadium are also being investigated after the Broomloan Stand at Ibrox was defaced.
The SFA confirmed on Thursday that the compliance officer is collating evidence from the game to assess any alleged breaches.
The governing body added: “This review will seek to provide recommendations for all parties to ensure no repeat of the events that have tarnished the image and reputation of the game.”
Rangers and Celtic were both contacted for comment by STV News following the game.