Graeme Souness has spoken out following the violent scenes at Ibrox that overshadowed Celtic’s Scottish Cup penalty shootout triumph over Rangers.
The former Rangers manager said he reacted with “sadness and anger in equal measure” as he watched supporters spill onto the pitch after the match.
Dozens of the 7,500 visiting Celtic fans invaded the Ibrox pitch to celebrate their side’s shootout victory before the situation rapidly deteriorated.
More than 100 Rangers supporters then charged from the opposite end of the ground to confront the celebrating Celtic fans.
Injuries were sustained by police officers, stewards, and fans in the disorder that followed, including a 10-year-old child caught amid the violence.
A man was also arrested following an alleged assault on a Celtic player and coach during the chaotic post-match scenes.
Souness had praised the atmosphere generated by the full away allocation, which had returned to pre-2018 levels under Scottish Cup rules for the occasion.
“I have to say, what a difference having the Celtic supporters there, the whole Broomloan Stand was full,” Souness said, reflecting on a spectacle he believes may not be repeated.
“It is, in my opinion, the biggest derby in the world. Unfortunately I don’t think we’ll see that again. What happened on Sunday will mean we won’t see away supporters in the stadium again, not in those numbers anyway.”
The former Scotland captain acknowledged that images of supporters on the pitch were broadcast around the world, damaging the reputation of the fixture he holds in such high regard.
Following an SFA independent review into the post-match events, the decision was taken not to house away fans in a temporary arrangement going forward.
Martin O’Neill’s team will travel to Ibrox for the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on Sunday with no supporters in attendance, reversing the situation seven days later at Celtic Park.
Souness expressed hope the ban would not become a permanent fixture, saying: “I hope it’s a short-term thing because the Old Firm game is such a spectacle.”
He added: “I loved playing in hostile atmospheres and there’s no bigger or more hostile atmosphere than an Old Firm game if you’re not playing in your home stadium.”
The veteran manager placed blame squarely on fans who cannot handle defeat or alcohol for undermining what he called the “biggest derby in the world.”
Despite the disorder, Souness acknowledged the quality of atmosphere generated on the day, noting: “Although it wasn’t a great game, both of them generated an unbelievable atmosphere.”
The incident has reignited debate about whether the Old Firm fixture can ever safely accommodate full away allocations again given the history of disorder surrounding the rivalry.
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