Major SFA update emerges on Rangers and Celtic pitch invasion fallout

The Scottish FA is set to publish its review into the disorder that followed the recent Rangers and Celtic Scottish Cup meeting, with chief executive Ian Maxwell confirming the findings are expected within weeks.

The investigation was launched after chaotic scenes at full time, following Celtic’s victory over Rangers on penalties in March. The incident at Hampden added to growing concern around fan behaviour, which was further intensified by similar pitch incursions during Celtic’s title-clinching win over Hearts on the final day of the Premiership season.

In that match, Celtic secured a 3-1 win to clinch a fifth consecutive league title, with supporters spilling onto the pitch shortly after a late goal sealed the result.

Speaking about the wider issue of pitch invasions, Maxwell said the SFA would support stronger measures, including making it a criminal offence to enter the pitch. However, he stressed that this would only form part of a broader solution.

He added that football authorities must work closely with clubs to strengthen existing rules or introduce new sanctions to deter such behaviour, making it clear that pitch invasions are unacceptable.

Maxwell also addressed the idea of “strict liability,” where clubs could be held responsible for supporter actions, but said the focus should be on outcomes rather than terminology.

He explained that the priority is preventing pitch invasions altogether, and that this will require updated regulations and cooperation between governing bodies and clubs rather than relying on one specific policy approach.