Celtic and Rangers get behind-closed-doors punishment

Celtic and Rangers have both been ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup match behind closed doors.

The punishment comes following a Scottish Football Association disciplinary hearing into the trouble that marred Celtic's quarter-final win at Ibrox in March.

Dozens of arrests were made following clashes on the pitch after Rangers fans charged on to confront Celtic supporters who had spilled on to the playing area to celebrate their team’s penalty shoot-out success.

Both clubs will have to pay their opponents £100,000 in compensation for the loss of shared gate receipts at the cup ties.

Any repeat of crowd trouble at Scottish Cup ties in the next two seasons would prompt another closed-door punishment.

Both clubs admitted charges relating to unacceptable conduct from supporters.

An independent review into the scenes previously concluded that "crushing" and "life-threatening violence" were narrowly avoided.

Celtic were "shocked" by the punishment.

"We are shocked by this disproportionate punishment for a relatively small incursion by Celtic supporters at a moment of emotion and celebration," a statement read.

"Our club has never defended supporters entering the field of play and we have repeatedly taken action when it occurs.

"However, we understand the part emotion plays in football and would have expected the context and distinction in behaviours to have been taken into account by the panel.

"Another important distinction is that, on this occasion, Celtic were not the home club, responsible for stadium safety arrangements.

"We will study the panel’s report and reasoning when it is available and will thereafter consider our next steps."

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