Celtic and Rangers, two longstanding rivals in Scottish football, made headlines for all the wrong reasons recently. In a heated Scottish Premiership match between the two clubs, Celtic fans displayed shocking behavior that has been condemned by the Parkhead club.
The incident in question involved Celtic midfielder Arne Engels being hit by a coin thrown from the Ibrox stands during the game. Sky Sports cameras captured the moment when Engels fell to the ground as he was preparing to take a corner kick. The midfielder required medical attention before being able to continue playing.
Adding to the alarming nature of the situation, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was also a target of misconduct when he was hit by a missile in a separate incident during the derby. Both incidents are currently under investigation by Police Scotland.
Celtic issued a strong statement expressing their disgust at the behavior of some fans, calling it “appalling” and “completely unacceptable.” The club emphasized that the repeated targeting of their players and staff with missiles was unacceptable and had no place in football.
On the other side, a spokesman for Rangers FC also condemned the incident, stating that the club would fully cooperate with the authorities in their investigation.
Investigation Underway
The incidents involving Engels and Rodgers have sparked outrage and concern among fans and officials alike. The behavior displayed by some fans has been widely criticized, with many calling for swift action to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Calls for Accountability
The incident has reignited discussions about fan behavior in football and the need for clubs to take responsibility for the actions of their supporters. Both Celtic and Rangers have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of players and staff during matches.
Looking Ahead
As investigations continue, all eyes will be on the authorities to hold those responsible for the unacceptable behavior to account. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respect and sportsmanship in football, and the need for all involved to uphold these values.
