Police, SFA criticise Old Firm antics

The Scottish Police Federation have slammed the behaviour of players, managers and supporters at Wednesday’s Old Firm game at Celtic Park.

The Scottish Police Federation have slammed the behaviour of players, mangers and supporters at Wednesday’s Old Firm game at Celtic Park.

SPF Chairman Les Gray said action needed to be taken in the wake of the fifth-round Scottish Cup replay, that saw Celtic win 1-0 and Rangers have three players sent off by referee Calum Murray.

There was also an angry confrontation between Rangers assistant boss Ally McCoist and Celtic manager Neil Lennon after the whistle as tempers boiled over.

Rangers’ winger El-Hadji Diouf, who received a second yellow card for dissent after the final whistle, was also involved in a heated exchange with the Celtic bench during the match.

The scenes led Gray to take aim at the behaviour of those involved, labelling it ‘disgraceful’.

“What happens on the pitch is replicated throughout the streets, the pubs and the clubs and the houses within Scotland,” he told the BBC.

“The behaviour of all those involved last night was nothing short of disgraceful.”

“Something needs to happen, I’m realistic enough to know that they’ll probably never stop it but we need to have a serious look at it.”

“It may well be that they’ll have to look at playing the game behind closed doors for two or three times just to see how it goes, because people may say it’s a great advert for football (and) a great advert for Scottish football, (but) that wasn’t much of an advert last night.”

The Scottish Football Association has labelled the scenes at the game ’embarrassing’, with Chief Executive Stewart Regan critical of both McCoist and Lennon.

“I was saddened and deeply embarrassed to witness the scenes during what’s supposed to be Scottish football’s flagship fixture,” Regan said.

“The SFA condemns the inflammatory and irresponsible behaviour.”

“These images were broadcast around the world and shows our game in a poor light.”

“I acknowledge the pressures of expectation on both clubs, but last night’s behaviour crossed the boundaries of acceptable conduct at a football match.”

“The unedifying sight of two of the country’s most recognisable and respected coaches engaged in an angry confrontation was not only unsavoury but exacerbated an already incendiary atmosphere inside the stadium and throughout the west of Scotland.”

“The clubs have a duty of care to ensure that the image and integrity of the game is upheld at all times. This was not adhered to last night.”

“It is incumbent on Rangers and Celtic to ensure a far more responsible level of behaviour.”