What security told Celtic amid pitch invasion chaos vs Rangers as SFA in statement amid 'repercussions' worry
The Celtic manager has reacted to the chaotic scenes that engulfed the latest Old Firm with Rangers.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill insists repercussions could be on after his side’s clash with Rangers on Sunday ended in a pitch invasion, with the Scottish FA launching a review.
The Hoops progressed to the Scottish Cup semi-final stage with a 4-2 penalty shootout win after a 0-0 draw at Ibrox against their Old Firm rivals. Headlines were made post-match as both sets of fans ended up on the pitch in chaotic scenes as Police and stewards scattered to get playing staff and club staffers off the pitch.
O’Neill says security were quick to inform him that a hasty exit into the dressing room was needed but wanted to review the situation before making a full assessment. He said on Sportsound: “There could be (repercussions). That I don't know. In the heat of the moment, I'm hoping that the both sets of fans didn't cross the halfway line. I certainly was on the field at the time just acknowledging the away fans.
Martin O’Neill on Rangers vs Celtic pitch invasion
“Then when the security told us, get off now as quickly as possible, I thought we tried to do that. I need to have a look and I will see. It’s for authorities.”
An SFA statement handed to the programme insisted a review will now commence. It states: "The Scottish FA condemns the behaviour from supporters entering the field of play following today's Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox Stadium. An investigation will be carried out immediately in line with the Judicial Panel Protocol."
Viljami Sinisalo insists the end of match scenes won’t take away from Celtic progress. The goalkeeper said on Premier Sports. "There's no derby like it, and [the post-match scenes] won't take away from what we've done here today. We've come here, beat them and we're into the next round of the cup. That's what we'll focus on.
Tomas Cvancara on winning penalty vs Rangers
"It's clear for everyone to see, we're playing for the badge and showing a bit of heart. As a player, it's so pleasing to see. Everyone is making blocks, working for each other. We're being good team-mates to each other. It's not easy, coming here and winning. It's not been an easy season, we can't hide away from that. In times like that, you have to be a very good team-mate."
Tomas Cvancara scored the winning penalty and added: "It was tough game, but we knew we had to be calm in our heads. We have quality in the team, so I trust everybody who is on a penalty is going to score. It was quite easy.
"It's a lot of pressure. We were also on the opposite side of the pitch from our fans. I just knew what I had to do, and did it. It doesn't surprise me [how intense it is]. We knew how tough it would be. But we were backed by almost 8,000 supporters, so it almost felt like home because it was pretty loud."