Rangers unequivocally condemns Old Firm fan unrest as the SFA launches an independent review

Both Rangers and Celtic have raised concerns about the narratives being created, with the Ibrox club saying it would not accept a narrative that “ignores the full context of what happened”.

Meanwhile, Celtic interim boss Brian Wilson said evidence must be provided “before we create a false narrative”.

Wilson added that he was “disappointed” by the statements of Police Scotland Chief Joe Farrell, who accused the two clubs of failing to condemn the scenes of violence that broke out after the match.

“If you’re going to seek a conviction, you have to be more specific,” Wilson told Celtic TV. “There were certainly things that I would gladly condemn and regret.

“Probably the most notable aspect of it was after the game. What you had was the joyful response from our fans – and that’s not uncommon – that you had a surplus on the field.

“This in itself does not usually raise expressions of condemnation. If there is evidence of violence or threats of violence, then of course I will condemn it. But let’s look at the evidence.”

Rangers say: “All parties must be prepared to subject their actions and decisions to appropriate scrutiny,” with Celtic noting the “serious concerns” raised by fans about access arrangements ahead of the match.

The Ibrox club called for the review to be “comprehensive and wide-ranging” and “include the wider context” around the match, from initial decisions on ticket allocation through to post-match events.

Their statement adds: “The disruption that occurred on Sunday was unacceptable and we condemn it unequivocally. Safety must always come first in football, for fans, players and everyone who works in and around the game.”

He added: “There are now a number of serious issues that require proper examination. For this reason, we agree that there must be a fully independent review of the events surrounding the match.”

Rangers pledged to represent the club and its supporters “vigorously” but said they would take action – “including the potential withdrawal of ticket concessions and a stadium ban” – against anyone identified and found guilty.

The club also expressed its “dismay” at the discovery of graffiti mocking the Ibrox disaster, which claimed the lives of 66 fans in January 1971.

They add: “Desecrating their memory is despicable. It is cowardly. It is shameful. This is not a football rivalry and it is not a joke. It is an exploitation of a tragedy that claimed the lives of 66 people.”