Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers warned that midfielder Arne Engels could have suffered a serious eye injury if a coin tossed by a Rangers fan had struck him an inch lower.
The Ibrox club vowed to help police track down the culprit after Engels went down holding his head while preparing to take a corner in the latter stages of his team’s 3-0 Premiership defeat.
The 21-year-old Belgian, who had come on as a substitute, carried on after appearing to suffer no lasting effects. But manager Rodgers said the consequences could have been far worse.
‘An inch lower, (it) would have been right in the eye,’ said the Northern Irishman. ‘It’s obviously not great for the game, but, yes, I think he’s okay.’
Engels’ team-mate Alistair Johnston called on supporters to show more respect for the safety of players.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers comforts midfielder Arne Engels at full-time at Ibrox
Referee Don Robertson hands over the coin that was thrown from the crowd towards Engels
A police officer puts the coin thatwas thrown at Celtic’s Arne Engels into an evidence bag
The incident took place in the corner usually frequented by visiting supporters until Rangers and Celtic stopped providing away allocations for derby games.
‘If that hits him in the eye then it’s probably a pretty serious matter but I would just caution everyone to be smart,’ said Canadian full-back Johnston.
‘It’s humans out there, someone’s son, so let’s refrain from chucking things at guys’ heads.
‘Ideally you don’t want anything thrown on the pitch. The words and chants are one thing, you get through that. But you just hope everyone respects the players on the pitch no matter who they play for.’
Rangers released a statement in which they vowed to help police identify those responsible.
‘Rangers FC condemns this incident in the strongest possible terms,’ said a club spokesman. ‘The club can confirm it will assist Police Scotland with their investigation.’
Referee Don Robertson was seen handing a coin to the fourth official after Engels had got back on his feet and declared himself able to play on.
The coin was then given to a police officer, who placed it in an evidence bag.
