'Stronger sanctions': Rangers and Celtic under microscope of players' union, John Swinney and police chief

Several police officers, stewards and members of the public were injured as dozens of supporters from both sides stormed the pitch at full-time. Nine arrests had been made inside 24 hours, with “significantly” more expected.

One of the arrests was in connection with an alleged assault on a Celtic member of staff and player. Footage has also shown a Rangers fan aiming a kick in the direction of Celtic defender Julian Araujo before another appeared to push the Mexico international as he made his way off the pitch.

The Scottish Football Association quickly announced an investigation and Wishart is looking for action.

The players’ union boss said in a statement: “Player safety is not optional. It is not negotiable. A footballer’s workplace is the pitch.

“What unfolded is yet another stark reminder of the escalating risks faced by professional footballers in Scotland simply for doing their jobs.

“When players are placed at risk, the consequences extend beyond football. There are serious questions raised about workplace safety standards and potential legal ramifications for clubs, governing bodies and individuals who fail to uphold their duty of care.”

The former Rangers player added: “We welcome the Scottish FA and Police Scotland investigations, the findings of which must be made public. There must be stronger protections and accountability, with increased sanctions for individuals and clubs where player safety is compromised."

Large away allocation ‘not safe’

The on-field clashes appear to have ended any hopes of traditional allocations returning to the Old Firm fixture on a regular basis for the foreseeable future. Celtic had about 7,500 fans inside Ibrox for the first time since 2018 but chief superintendent Emma Croft believes the allocation had an impact on the trouble.

“That’s where I would welcome conversations – and realistic conversations at that – as to how the footballing experience can be matched with the safety experience," she said. “I would like to think we have an input, considering the big issue is the safety of all and policing has a big part to play in that.

“I don’t think it’s right that I say that it’s a complete ban, but what I would say is that set-up is not sustainable and not safe.”

Police are also investigating incidents which took place before the game after a number of Celtic fans without tickets broke into the stadium while graffiti was displayed in the Broomloan Stand which included references to the 1971 Ibrox disaster, when 66 Rangers fans died in a crush as they left an Old Firm game.

Scotland’s First Minister called for a collective approach to tackling the situation.

Speaking on Monday, John Swinney said: “The violence after the Old Firm game yesterday at Ibrox was completely and utterly unacceptable – there is no justification for it whatsoever.

“There was severe danger applied to fans and to police officers and to stewards, it was completely unacceptable in every respect.

“What I want to make clear is the police have my full support in pursuing everyone involved in this incident, also that we will work constructively with the clubs – who must be horrified by the scenes that they witnessed – as well to address the situation, to work with the Scottish Football Association, to make sure that collaboratively and collectively we do all that we can to make sure that these types of incidents have no place in Scottish football.”