Celtic defeated Rangers in a penalty shootout in the Scottish Cup, according to sources. The match took place at Ibrox, Rangers' home ground. Aftonbladet reports that Celtic did not have a single shot on target during the 120 minutes of play.
In the shootout, Aftonbladet states that Celtic scored on all four of their penalty attempts, while Rangers captain James Tavernier hit the crossbar and substitute Djeidi Gassame missed. After the win, Aftonbladet reports that Celtic fans stormed the pitch in celebration, and hundreds of Rangers fans also entered, resulting in clashes. Objects were thrown and pyrotechnics were fired at rival fans during the clashes, according to Aftonbladet.
It's really, really strong. I don't want to delve into the past, but I've come here with really, really strong defence before. The number of blocks that we got on, the number of last-ditched challenges that we made in the game, just to stay in the tie, it was really amazing.
A large number of security guards managed to separate the rival fan groups, as reported by Aftonbladet. Several people were injured in the tumult, including spectators and security guards, Aftonbladet states. Scottish police condemned the scenes as 'shameful', and many arrests were made in connection with the clashes, according to Aftonbladet.
Celtic were missing many first-choice players, including captain Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney, Aftonbladet reports. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill praised his team's defensive performance, saying, 'It's really, really strong. I don't want to delve into the past, but I've come here with really, really strong defence before.
I think any victory at Ibrox is big news for us. So from that viewpoint, it was great to win and we're into the semi-final of the cup. Still a million miles to go, both that and in the league, but that should give the players an enormous boost.
' He added, 'I think any victory at Ibrox is big news for us. So from that viewpoint, it was great to win and we're into the semi-final of the cup. ' Aftonbladet reports that Martin O'Neill was involved in the melee at the end of the match with fans on the pitch, and there were reports of Celtic staff being involved in scuffles with rival fans.
The exact number of arrests made and the specific injuries sustained by spectators and security guards have not been disclosed. Celtic's win advances them to the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.