It took four months to land the independent review of crowd disorder at the Old Firm Scottish Cup quarter-final held at Ibrox in March, and when it finally arrived, it delivered a comprehensive critique.

The 37-page document criticizes all parties involved, including Rangers, Celtic, the Scottish FA, the SPFL, the police, and the ultras from both sides.

Both clubs now face disciplinary charges, as the review warns that the disorderly scenes “came within a very small margin of becoming a violent mass confrontation.”

Mark Blackbourne, the lead author and a sports event consultant with experience in Uefa match delegation and stadium inspection, scrutinizes various aspects of the events that unfolded that day and in the preceding days.

Blackbourne’s overriding message is clear: the football authorities must stop taking half-measures against unacceptable behavior.

He expresses disappointment with both clubs, emphasizing that fines from governing bodies are no longer sufficient. “Scottish football is dealing with an upward trajectory of recorded unacceptable conduct by fan groups and individuals,” he writes.

He notes, “The volume and variety of incidents across seasons 2024-25 and 2025-26—pyrotechnics, objects thrown, pitch incursions, anti-social behavior, and targeted intimidation of players and officials—constitute a trend rather than a statistical anomaly.”

According to Blackbourne, the current disciplinary frameworks are failing to reverse this trend. “The evidence is that, in their current form, they are not doing so,” he asserts. “The sanctions are too modest, too deferred and too inconsistently applied to alter the behavior of clubs, groups, and individuals.”

He further argues that immediate crowd restrictions should be the starting point for punishing serious incidents, dismissing fines and suspended sentences as inadequate.

The Glasgow clubs are likely to resist this approach, echoing their past objections to full strict liability.

Report Criticizes Conduct of Clubs and Their Fan Groups

The report thoroughly critiques the behavior of both clubs and their ultras. Blackbourne details the chaos of that game—a cup tie won on penalties by Celtic—which incited a “wholly inexcusable” pitch invasion by hundreds among the more than 8,000 visiting fans.

Following this, Rangers supporters launched an “immediate hostile” counter-invasion, many masked and wielding “poles and reinforced gloves.” The report indicates, “it’s a minor miracle that no-one suffered serious injury.”

Police took four minutes and 28 seconds to regain control during which “life-threatening violence was possible.”

He highlights the risk of crushing on Broomloan Road when Celtic fans without tickets breached security, notes a lack of contingency plans for outer stadium incidents, and mentions that some police officers now express fear about working at such matches.

The report offers various findings:

• A steward at Ibrox accepted payment to allow fans entry during the game, leading to his arrest.

• A Celtic employee was assaulted by a masked Rangers fan.

• A Rangers player reported experiencing racial abuse.

• A 10-year-old boy in the Celtic section was hit in the face with a coin.

• A Celtic supporters’ bus was attacked, leaving one fan unconscious on the street.

• The Rangers mascot, Broxi Bear, faced criticism for antagonizing Celtic fans.

The pre-game risk assessment deemed a pitch incursion “unlikely,” showcasing operational failures that the report highlights as complacency.

In response, the report urges the Scottish FA to adopt a zero-tolerance policy within the sport. “Section closure, not ticket reduction, should be the standard first-response for confirmed unacceptable conduct.”

Ultras groups come under scrutiny as the report criticizes both clubs for failing to manage them, likening their behavior to organized crime. “Clubs have demonstrated a reluctance to confront this dynamic, partly due to the atmospheric value these groups bring, and partly out of fear of repercussions,” it states.

Blackbourne points out, “These groups exhibit internal hierarchy, coordinated planning, operational security awareness, and intimidation tactics.” He stresses that both the football authorities and Police Scotland need to recognize that these groups require a comprehensive, intelligence-led response.

The report raises a crucial question: Are the governing bodies willing to implement the reforms needed? “There was a consistent view from interviewees that the Scottish FA and SPFL have the power to act more severely but have chosen not to,” it claims.

“The existing rulebook provides for financial penalties, points deductions, and expulsion… The issue lies not in the availability of tools but in the will to use them.”

If this report does not catalyze substantial changes, the incidents witnessed at Ibrox in March, as well as at Celtic Park at the season’s end, are likely to persist.

As the report underscores the potential for life-threatening violence, one must wonder if those in power are genuinely listening. The next steps taken by football authorities will be closely monitored.