The Scottish FA have appointed experienced FIFA match commissioner Mark Blackbourne to oversee their review of the crowd violence and disorder at last month’s Old Firm Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.
Rangers and Celtic have already attended an initial meeting with Blackbourne at Hampden along with officials from Police Scotland and the Scottish FA.
The match at Ibrox on March 8 was the first time since 2018 that a full allocation of away supporters was present at an Old Firm fixture as Scottish FA competition regulations ensured 7,500 Celtic fans were able to take their places in the Broomloan Road Stand.
After a 0-0 draw, Celtic won the match on penalties. When some of their fans entered the field of play to celebrate, Rangers fans from the Copland Road end of the ground followed suit.
Ugly scenes followed as flares and other objects were thrown. Police had to form a cordon to separate the rival fans and a number of officers and supporters were injured during the violence.
Since Police Scotland opened their own investigation into the incidents, including vile graffiti in the Broomloan Road Stand mocking the 1971 Ibrox disaster when 66 Rangers fans died, they have made 17 arrests.
Mark Blackbourne has been appointed to oversee the review into last month’s disorder at Ibrox
Police formed a cordon after the match to separate fans who had entered the field of play
Detective Chief Inspector David Lamont has pledged that tally will increase, saying last week that ‘extensive inquiries remain ongoing to identify and trace those involved. Further arrests will be made’.
The Scottish FA’s own review will try to establish what steps the football authorities and clubs can take to avoid repeat incidents at future high-profile matches.
In a statement, the governing body said: ‘The Scottish FA can confirm the appointment of an Independent Lead and terms of reference for the review into the incidents which occurred at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on 8 March.
‘The review will seek to establish the facts surrounding what happened during the day of the match, both within Ibrox Stadium and the surrounding area, including examining events and decisions made in advance of, during and following the match, with a view to identifying lessons learnt and making recommendations to avoid a repeat of similar scenes at other fixtures with a similar risk profile.
‘The review will be led by Mark Blackbourne, a vastly experienced sports event consultant who continues to lead on match operations at major club and international competitions under UEFA and FIFA jurisdiction.
‘The review process commenced with a meeting of all relevant parties at Barclays Hampden, convened by the Independent Lead, including the respective clubs, Police Scotland and representatives from the Scottish FA.’
Blackbourne is a former secretary of Oldham Athletic, Wigan Athletic and Burnley who was then director of football operations at Sunderland from 1996 to 2003.
A former Premier League match delegate, he has been a UEFA stadium inspector since 2005 and a FIFA match commissioner since 2009.
A Rangers spokesman said: ‘We welcome the appointment of an independent lead and will work constructively with all involved to support a full and fair examination of events leading up to, and including, the game on March 8.’
