Fans clashed on the pitch after Celtic knocked arch rival Rangers out of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox on Sunday.
Fighting broke out when dozens of visiting Celtic supporters invaded the pitch to celebrate its quarter-final victory.
That sparked an incursion from hundreds of Rangers fans, who attempted to attack their Old Firm rivals.
Missiles and pyrotechnics were thrown before police and stewards finally formed a barrier across the pitch.
Fans continued to trade insults from either side of the barrier before order was restored.
The ugly scenes came in the first Old Firm derby for almost a decade to feature a large allocation of tickets for away fans.
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.
The Scottish Cup tie was seen as a test case for the return of greater numbers of away fans, but that plan is unlikely to proceed after the clashes at Ibrox.
Backed by 7,500 fans, Celtic won 4-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra-time.
Martin O’Neill’s side moved into 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 bar with the first penalty before Djeidi Gassama blazed over.
Tomas Cvancara converted to seal Celtic’s victory before chaos erupted.
“There were a few tete-a-tetes. It’s unfortunate. Hopefully it doesn’t dilute the performance,” O’Neill said.
“It was our fourth game in 10 days and we were really out on our feet, but we defended magnificently. Blocks, boys throwing their bodies on the line. I’ve got the utmost regard for the team.
“Old Firm games are explosive games, they always have been. That’s maybe one of the reasons why the derby is one of the best in the world.”
Despite amassing 24 shots and having a goal wiped out by VAR following a handball by Emmanuel Fernandez in extra-time, Rangers once again stumbled against its hated neighbour.
The defeat was a bitter blow after Rangers blew a two-goal half-time lead in its 2-2 draw with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox last weekend.
Rangers and Celtic both trail leader Hearts in the Scottish title race.
Published on Mar 08, 2026
