The Scottish Football Association has published the findings of its independent review into the disorder that marred Rangers' Scottish Cup quarter-final against Celtic at Ibrox in March, concluding the incidents represented "two near-miss incidents of the most serious kind".
The 37-page report, compiled by independent lead Mark Blackbourne, examines the planning, operation and delivery of safety, security and medical provision before, during and after the March 8, 2026 Old Firm clash, with a series of recommendations aimed at preventing similar scenes in the future.
The Scottish FA has also confirmed its Compliance Officer has issued Notices of Complaint relating to the fixture, with those cases now set to be considered by an independent Judicial Panel.
Review describes events as a 'minor miracle'
In a strongly worded foreword, Blackbourne said the match descended into disorder that should serve as a watershed moment for Scottish football.
He wrote that the events constituted "two near-miss incidents of the most serious kind" and said responsibility lay with those supporters who behaved in a disorderly and threatening manner, adding that prosecutions and disciplinary action should continue.
The review also describes the incidents as a "minor miracle" after access gates were forced open, stewards and club staff were assaulted, pyrotechnics were ignited, missiles were thrown and hundreds of supporters entered the pitch following the penalty shootout.
According to the report, the post-match pitch invasion by several hundred Celtic supporters prompted sections of the Rangers support to breach security and enter the playing surface, resulting in multiple confrontations before Police Scotland regained control.
Planning failures identified
The review is also critical of the planning process leading up to the fixture.
Among the issues highlighted are a significantly reduced planning period following a dispute over away ticket allocations, no multi-agency tabletop exercise before the match, insufficient search lanes for more than 8,000 away supporters and a risk assessment that remained largely unchanged from the previous league Old Firm despite the increased risk profile.
The report also concludes there was no adequate contingency for ticketless supporters, forged tickets or supporters attempting to force entry into the stadium.
Among its recommendations are enhanced multi-agency planning, increased police and steward deployments around ultra sections during key moments of matches, improved digital ticketing and supporter traceability, and tougher disciplinary measures to deter future incidents.
Rangers introduce supporter sanctions
The report notes Rangers have already taken action following the disorder.
It states the club introduced a formal Supporter Conduct and Sanctions Policy in April 2026, with 17 individuals already contacted under the new framework. The majority of those cases fall into the most serious categories, carrying potential bans ranging from two years to indefinite exclusions from Ibrox.
Police Scotland's criminal investigation also remains ongoing, with the review stating that 31 arrests had been made at the time of publication, alongside the arrest of a steward linked to unlawful entry into the stadium.
Scottish FA vows to implement recommendations
Responding to the publication of the report, Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell thanked Blackbourne for producing what he described as a comprehensive review and confirmed the governing body would work alongside the SPFL, clubs, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government to implement its recommendations.
Maxwell also reiterated that the scenes witnessed at Ibrox "should have no place in our game" and said the Scottish FA remains committed to ensuring showpiece fixtures can be enjoyed safely by the vast majority of supporters who attend responsibly.
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