January 3 – Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and midfielder Arne Engels were both targeted in separate missile-throwing incidents during Celtic’s 3-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox, prompting an investigation by Police Scotland.
The first incident occurred near the end of the match when Engels was struck by a coin as he prepared to take a corner. The midfielder fell to the ground and required treatment but was able to continue. Rodgers, meanwhile, was reportedly targeted with a missile during the heated derby clash.
A Celtic spokesperson condemned the incidents, stating: “The repeated targeting of our players and staff with missiles is quite appalling and completely unacceptable. We understand that Police Scotland are currently investigating two separate incidents.”
Rodgers expressed relief that the injury to Engels wasn’t more serious. “Yes, [he is okay] thankfully – an inch lower, he would have been right in the eye. But, yes, I think he’s okay. It’s not obviously great for the game, but, yes, he’s okay,” he said after the match.
Rangers also denounced the behaviour, with a club spokesman adding: “Rangers FC condemns this incident in the strongest possible terms. The club can confirm it will assist Police Scotland with their investigation.”
The off-pitch controversy overshadowed what was a statement win for Rangers, who handed Celtic their first league defeat of the season in emphatic fashion. Despite the loss, Celtic remain 11 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Rangers dominated proceedings, peppering Celtic’s goal with 24 shots compared to the visitors’ four. The tone was set early when Ianis Hagi, son of legendary midfielder Gheorghe Hagi, curled a long-range effort into the bottom corner just seven minutes in.
Defender Robin Propper doubled the lead in the second half, and substitute Danilo sealed the victory with a clinical finish late on.
The coin-throwing overshadowed the importance of the win for Rangers after having lost the Scottish League Cup final with a victory that also had a backdrop of violent scenes involving supporters of the two bitter rivals in Glasgow.
Police said missiles were thrown at officers and there were also reports of broken windows and that officers would use stop and search powers to “prevent disorder and serious violence.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1735998809labto1735998809ofdlr1735998809owedi1735998809sni@g1735998809niwe.1735998809yrrah1735998809