Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The report shows the course between these two clubs and the behavior of their ultras.
Blackburn catalogs of that day detail; Cup game won by Celtic on penalties. A victory that sparked a “completely unjustified” stampede by hundreds of the 8,000-plus fans.
Then there was an “immediately hostile” counter-attack by Rangers fans, many wearing face masks and carrying “poles and reinforced gloves”. The report said it was “a minor miracle that no one was seriously injured.”
It took police four minutes and 28 seconds to establish control – “a time when a life-threatening attack was possible”.
The risk of ticket-less Celtic fans crashing on Broomloan Road when security forces clashed with them, how police had no plans for fans outside the stadium, and some police officers now say they are “disturbed” working at the game.
There is a lot of observation and flack.
-
A steward at the gates of Ibrox accepted a fee to let fans into the stadium during the match. He was later arrested.
-
A Celtic worker was punched in the face by a masked Rangers fan.
-
A Rangers player was cited for reporting racial abuse.
-
A 10-year-old boy was hit in the face by a coin at the Celtic end.
-
A bus of Celtic supporters was attacked and one fan passed out on the road.
-
Rangers mascot Broxie Bear has been criticized for inciting Celtic fans.
A pre-match risk assessment concluded that a pitch invasion was “unlikely”, one of a number of procedural failings the report highlighted. “Several interviewees used the word ‘compromise,'” he says.
There are calls for the Scottish FA to take responsibility and strengthen its zero-tolerance policy in the game. “Class closures, not ticket reductions, should be the first response to proven unacceptable conduct.”
Ultras groups came under heavy scrutiny in the report. And there was just as much criticism of the old organization’s inability to control itself as it was described as having the feel of an organized crime syndicate.
“Clubs have shown a reluctance to face this dynamic, partly because of the atmospheric value Ultra teams provide, and partly because of fear of the consequences,” the report added.
“These groups exhibit internal hierarchy, coordinated planning, a sense of operational security, and intimidation to maintain the ‘best place.’
“The implications for football authorities and Police Scotland are huge: these are not spontaneous groups of supporters, but organized groups that require an intelligence-led multi-agency response.”
There is blame in all this problem.
Is there stomach in the game for the changes demanded by the investigation? Do the authorities have the backbone to push through the kind of reform or elements of reform that some powerful clubs might staunchly oppose?
“Across all respondents, there was a consistent and strongly expressed view that the Scottish FA and SPFL should have taken more serious action than their disciplinary powers did but chose not to use them.”
“The existing regulation – which every club signs – provides for fines, points deductions and dismissals… The question is not whether the equipment is available, but whether there is a will to use it.”
If this report doesn’t lead to major changes, Ibrox shows (and other past seasons) are likely to continue in March and on the final day of the season at Celtic Park.
When the report mentions how close everything is to a life-threatening attack, you question whether those in power are really listening. What the football officials do next will be interesting. All eyes are on them.
