Ally McCoist has criticised the chaotic scenes that overshadowed the end of Rangers vs Celtic, as he labelled them ‘diabolical.’
The Ibrox legend was present as Celtic advanced from the Scottish Cup quarter-final 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw following extra time, but supporters from both sides ended up on the pitch after the final whistle.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation after objects such as flares were thrown toward fans, and McCoist said he was disgusted by what he saw.He claimed it resembled a bad Marvel film and believes it has ended hopes of larger away allocations for future Old Firm matches. Celtic returned to a full Broomloan Stand after recent restrictions at Ibrox and Parkhead for Premiership fixtures.
Ally McCoist on Old Firm pitch invasion
He told talkSPORT: “I went to the game, I didn’t see anything before or during the game. I saw the mob coming in from the Broomloan Stand, I’m sitting saying to myself, ‘just please stay off the pitch man, just stay off the pitch’. “They are running about. You hope it doesn’t happen, but you know it’s going to happen, you just know it’s going to happen. They come on from the other end, it is an absolute embarrassment. It was cringe. I was going to say, that new Marvel movie looks hopeless, doesn’t it?
“It was diabolical. We met one of the young lads who was up the west enclosure of the stand. He told me, we were in for a pint after it, there was a young girl there, and he said she got hit with a bottle. An 18, 19-year-old girl got hit with a bottle. What chance have we got? I’ve been sent, and by the way they are as bad as each other before we get any further, the mess of the Broomloan Stand. They are writing phrases about the Ibrox disaster, 66 dead and all that, what is it with these people?
“It’s just pure bitterness and sickness of the mind. The game itself was poor, but the atmosphere was actually good. We want the fans into the game, but I will tell you right now, they have put that to bed. That will not happen. It’s just turned. The vast majority of people want Hearts to win that league, and with some justification. It was pathetic yesterday. Shocking.”
Police Scotland on Rangers vs Celtic scenes
Police Scotland’s Chief Supt Kate Stephen said: “A number of arrests have already been made, and Police Scotland will now work with both clubs and the Scottish Football Association to carry out a robust investigation following the scenes on the pitch at the conclusion of the match.
“Officers and stewards were faced with extreme hostility and violence over a sustained period, with many individuals having armed themselves with items clearly intended to cause harm. Officers and members of the public have been injury in this despicable display and I want to express my thanks to all officers and staff deployed.”