Pitch violence breaks out between Rangers and Celtic fans following Scottish Cup tie
By Muhammad MubashirPublished On 09 Mar 2026
The Scottish Football Association has launched an investigation after Celtic defender Julian Araujo and a member of his team’s backroom staff were attacked by Rangers fans in ugly clashes following the Scottish Cup quarterfinal in Glasgow.
Backed by 7,500 fans, Celtic beat their Old Firm rivals 4-2 on penalties on Sunday, following a 0-0 draw after extra time at Ibrox.
Fighting broke out when dozens of visiting Celtic supporters invaded the pitch to celebrate their victory, sparking an incursion from hundreds of Rangers fans, who attempted to attack their rivals.
The Glasgow derby – termed the Old Firm – is one of the oldest and most intense in world football, dating back to 1888. It has been fuelled by political and religious divisions.
Fans threw missiles and fireworks and continued to exchange blows after police and stewards finally formed a barrier across the pitch.
Police apprehended a man after Celtic players, including Tomas Cvancara, ran to the scene amid an incident involving a Celtic member of staff.
Cvancara was later interviewed on television with bloodstains on his kit, while Celtic right-back Araujo was pushed by a Rangers supporter.
“An investigation will be carried out immediately in line with the Judicial Panel Protocol,” the SFA said as they condemned the “behaviour from supporters entering the field of play”.
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill added: “As we were making our way back, I think there was some sort of fracas; somebody tried to get on the field.
“There is a natural euphoria about winning a game and about fans joining in. If this has gone too far, that would be disappointing.”
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The ugly scenes came in the first Old Firm derby for almost a decade to feature a large allocation of tickets for away fans.
‘Explosive games’
Following numerous hooligan clashes in previous meetings between the Glasgow rivals, away supporters were banned from the matches in 2023, before being allowed to return on a reduced basis last year.
