SFA condemn Old Firm fan behaviour as police launch probe

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) have condemned sectarian chanting from supporters during the latest Old Firm match between Celtic and Rangers, with Police Scotland confirming an investigation into incidents reported at Celtic Park.Authorities are examining footage and reports of offensive chanting and banners during the match as part of an ongoing probe into potential breaches of public order and football-related legislation.The SFA said the behaviour was unacceptable and reiterated that discriminatory or sectarian conduct has no place in Scottish football.The governing body said: “Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in our national game. Scottish football has made it clear that discriminatory or sectarian conduct will not be tolerated.”Police Scotland confirmed officers are reviewing material from the fixture, including video footage and reports submitted following the match.A spokesperson said: “We are aware of reports relating to offensive chanting at the match and enquiries are ongoing.”Matches between Celtic and Rangers – commonly known as the Old Firm – are among the most commercially significant fixtures in Scottish football but have long been associated with sectarian tensions linked to the clubs’ historic cultural and religious identities.Governing bodies and law enforcement agencies have spent more than a decade attempting to curb sectarian behaviour around the rivalry through a combination of legislation, stadium bans and coordinated policing operations.Scottish football authorities have also introduced supporter education campaigns and stronger sanctions against clubs whose fans engage in discriminatory behaviour.The latest investigation again places the issue under scrutiny for the SFA and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), both of which have repeatedly warned clubs and supporters about the reputational and regulatory consequences of sectarian conduct.Old Firm fixtures remain among the most high-profile events in the Scottish sporting calendar, attracting significant domestic and international broadcast audiences and generating substantial matchday and commercial revenue.However, incidents involving supporter behaviour continue to present governance and reputational challenges for the sport as administrators seek to promote a more inclusive image of Scottish football.Police Scotland said enquiries into the incidents are continuing and urged anyone with relevant information to contact officers.