Nine arrested over Rangers v Celtic fan disorder

Nine people have been arrested over the disorder at the Scottish Cup quarter-final match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday.

A 47-year-old man has been arrested and charged with assaults on a coach and player after fans invaded the pitch at the end of the game, while a 54-year-old man has been charged with assaulting a police officer.

Three other men, aged 20, 23 and 54 have been arrested and charged in connection with the serious assault of a man on Helen Street after the match.

All are due to appear in court at a later date.

Police Scotland said a number of arrests were made over abuse towards officers and culpable and reckless conduct.

An investigation into vandalism and graffiti and pyrotechnics being thrown within the stadium is also under way.

Several officers and fans were injured in the melee, including a 10-year-old boy who was struck by a coin.

Neither club has issued a statement on the Old Firm disorder.

Celtic won the match 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.

Fans of the visitors initially encroached onto the playing area from the Broomloan Road end before stewards attempted to usher them back to their seats.

Home supporters also made their way onto the pitch to confront them, leading to some clashes.

Several supporters in blue balaclavas were seen running back towards the Copland Road end while flares and other objects were thrown between the two sets of fans before they could be cleared off the pitch.

Glasgow divisional commander, Ch Supt Emma Croft, described the scenes as "disgraceful" and the behaviour of fans as "unacceptable and shameful".

She said a special policing team had been convened to investigate disorder around the match, while an online major incident portal has been set up to allow the public to report information, images and footage to detectives.

Ch Supt Croft said: "No one should have to face such extreme levels of violence and hostility, and those responsible will be identified and face the consequences.

"It begs the question, does someone need to be critically injured or worse before this behaviour is treated with the seriousness it deserves?

"I want to give my assurance that our investigation will be very thorough, and further arrests will be made in due course."

She added: "For those involved in this kind of disorder, the message is simple: it is not a question of if, but when we will identify and come looking for you."