Celtic has conveyed significant apprehension to Rangers subsequent to a scenario in which their assistant manager, John Kennedy, was struck by objects during the Old Firm draw on Sunday. The distressing incident took place at Ibrox Stadium amidst the thrilling 3-3 draw in the Scottish Premiership. In direct response to this incident, Celtic released a statement condemning the deliberate targeting of their staff as “completely unacceptable” and expressed their intention to address these concerns with Rangers. Furthermore, Police Scotland is currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
The authorities have confirmed that no arrests were made at Ibrox and have acknowledged that an object was thrown during the match. While one individual was indeed struck, no medical treatment was necessary, and inquiries into the matter are ongoing.
This is not an isolated occurrence, as there have been multiple similar incidents during recent Old Firm encounters. In April 2022, a Celtic physiotherapist required four stitches and incurred a scar after being hit on the head by a bottle at Ibrox. The following month, Rangers reported that their supporters were left “unprotected” and that elderly and disabled fans had been injured by projectiles thrown at Celtic Park. Additionally, Celtic reported that their supporters and stewards were also struck by debris, including seats torn from the stands.
This latest incident has once again underscored the imperative need to uphold the safety and security of players, staff, and supporters at football matches. It is essential for clubs to collaborate in order to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The intense nature of the Old Firm rivalry is widely recognized, however, it is imperative for supporters to remember that these matches should be savoured in the spirit of healthy competition, without resorting to violence or jeopardizing the safety of others.
It is crucial for both Celtic and Rangers, in conjunction with the relevant authorities, to implement the requisite measures to avert such incidents in the future. The paramount concern should always be the safety and security of all individuals involved in football matches.