Nedim Bajrami had to be physically restrained and guided down the tunnel by a Rangers official amid the chaotic scenes that erupted at Ibrox following Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final.
A match high on intensity but short on quality was ultimately settled by a penalty shootout, with Tomas Cvancara converting the winning spot kick for Celtic. The moment triggered wild celebrations in the Broomloan Stand, which was packed with Celtic supporters for the first time since 2018, and the jubilation quickly spilled over onto the pitch.Enraged Rangers fans responded by charging onto the playing surface from the opposite end, and for a time the scenes threatened to echo the shameful aftermath of the 1980 Scottish Cup final between the same two clubs.
Police and security personnel worked to contain the situation and prevent it from deteriorating further, while players and staff were hurriedly shepherded off the pitch for their own safety.
Footage circulating widely on social media captured the chaos at close quarters as both sets of players made their way back to the dressing rooms. Bajrami, who had come on as a second-half substitute for Rangers, appeared to be in a highly agitated state as the scenes unfolded around him. The Albanian midfielder was visibly furious, staring in the direction of someone off camera with an intense expression, before a member of Rangers staff took hold of him from behind and dragged him toward the tunnel. He was heard letting out a roar of frustration before staff eventually managed to get him clear of the situation.
The SFA has launched an investigation into the disorder, and it is unlikely the fallout from Sunday’s events will be resolved quickly.