Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Rangers' Vaclav Cerny escapes ban, warned by SFA after Celtic 'watergate' incident

Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny has avoided a suspension after being formally warned by the Scottish FA over his involvement in the controversial "Watergate" incident at Celtic Park.

The Czech international was filmed spraying water towards Celtic fans during Rangers' celebrations of Hamza Igamane's dramatic winner in last month’s heated Old Firm derby.

Alongside teammate Nedim Bajrami, Cerny was seen directing a squirt from his water bottle at Hoops supporters seated in the lower rows of the main stand, just moments after Igamane's goal sparked wild celebrations from the visiting contingent.

The incident angered sections of the home support and led to a brief period of chaos, with Rangers staff and stadium security stepping in to defuse tensions.

During the aftermath, Police Scotland were allowed to lead the initial response, as there was no clear precedent for handling such behaviour. Officers conducted a brief investigation but concluded that no criminal offence had been committed.

SFA compliance officer Martin Black then completed his own investigation and confirmed that Cerny will be available for Rangers' Scottish Premiership run-in.

The SFA issued a formal warning to Cerny, stressing the need for improved behaviour going forward. No action has been taken against Bajrami at this stage.


Read more:


Rangers head coach Barry Ferguson suggested Cerny may have simply gotten "a wee bit over-excited," adding that he had no issue with players expressing themselves during celebrations.

In contrast, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers took a firmer stance, emphasising that he would not tolerate similar behaviour from his own players.

He said: “I think it’s a lack of respect if a player runs up a touchline and squirts a water bottle in a supporter’s face. I certainly wouldn’t want my players to do it.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.