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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Celtic respond after Rangers statement with Ibrox incidents reminder and insist their fans ‘targeted with missiles’

Celtic have stated that it is "extremely regrettable" that their fans were "targeted" during the clash with Rangers following the full-time whistle.

And they note that the club are still working through flashpoints from the last derby day showdown at Ibrox.

Off-field incidents marred derby day at Celtic Park as supporters clashed following the full-time whistle in the 1-1 draw.

Ugly scenes saw supporters come together in the stands with video footage showing objects were thrown, leading to a damning statement from Rangers blasting police for leaving fans "unprotected."

It comes after the last clash at Ibrox saw the second half delayed three minutes when keeper Joe Hart informed referee Willie Collum broken glass had been hurled on the park.

A member of Celtic staff also required stitches for a "head wound" inflicted in a separate incident.

Following the statement from Rangers on Sunday, Celtic have noted that their supporters were also "targeted" and that damage was done to the seating inside the stadium.

A Celtic spokesperson said: “We are still working through the recent events at Ibrox, including the assaults on our staff members and supporters.

“It is extremely regrettable that again our supporters have been targeted with missiles, including bottles and seating, ripped from our seating deck, resulting in injury to fans and stewards.

“We will be liaising with all relevant parties in order that a wide range of issues are fully addressed in the appropriate manner.”

A Rangers spokesman stated following the game earlier: "We are disappointed with the Police response after the Old Firm at Parkhead today.

"Our support was left unprotected as they were attacked by bottles and other missiles.

"Reports so far include injuries to elderly and disabled supporters. Furthermore, we are collating evidence of possible hate crimes which will be reported to Police Scotland as a matter of urgency.

"We intend to raise our concerns with Police Scotland and Celtic during the debrief.”

Police Scotland have confirmed eight people were arrested following the match.

Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan said: "Police Scotland had a proportionate plan in place to support the safety operation led by Celtic FC at Sunday’s match, between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park, and to deal swiftly with any acts of violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

“I would like to thank the vast majority of fans who enjoyed the fixture and followed club and police advice.

"Eight people were arrested for various offences including disorder, pyrotechnics and religiously aggravated offences. Two of these arrests were within the stadium.

“We are aware of missiles being thrown between groups of supporters within the stadium, one of which struck a police officer who thankfully was not serious injured.

“Any reports we receive from members of the public relating to match related incidents will be investigated.

“Further enquiries into disorder on Fielden Street before the match are being carried and we will continue to work in partnership with football clubs to ensure that such events take place safely.

“Anyone with any information relating to any of these incidents should contact Police Scotland via 101.”

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