Another suspect arrested following disturbances during the Old Firm Scottish Cup match.

The investigation into the disorder that followed the Scottish Cup quarter-final clash between Rangers and Celtic has taken another step forward, with police confirming a further arrest linked to the incident.

The match, staged at Ibrox on March 8, 2026, ended in dramatic and troubling fashion as large numbers of supporters from both sides entered the field following a tense penalty shoot-out. What should have been a high-profile and fiercely contested cup tie instead descended into chaotic scenes, prompting immediate concern and a significant police response.

As inquiries into the incident continue, officers have now arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the disorder. He has been formally charged with culpable and reckless conduct as well as serious assault, reflecting the gravity of the situation that unfolded during and after the conclusion of the match.

Despite the seriousness of the charges, the individual has been released on an undertaking. This means he is not currently being held in custody but is required to appear before a court at a later date, where the case against him will proceed through the legal system.

This latest arrest adds to a growing number of individuals already detained as part of the same investigation. Earlier in April, police confirmed that four additional men had been taken into custody, bringing the total number of arrests at that stage to 17. With the inclusion of this most recent case, the figure has now risen to 18, underlining both the scale of the disorder and the extent of the ongoing investigation.

The original disturbance followed an intense Old Firm encounter, a fixture known for its deep-rooted rivalry and charged atmosphere. While such matches often carry heightened emotion, the events at Ibrox went beyond acceptable boundaries, as supporters breached security and flooded onto the pitch in large numbers after the final whistle.

In the immediate aftermath of the match, nine men were arrested at or near the scene as officers worked to restore order. Since then, further investigative work—including reviewing footage and gathering witness statements—has led to additional arrests, demonstrating the authorities’ determination to identify and hold accountable those involved.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland provided an update on the situation, confirming the latest development. According to the statement, officers investigating the disorder connected to the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic on Sunday, March 8, 2026, have arrested a 25-year-old man.

The spokesperson reiterated that the individual has been charged with culpable and reckless conduct along with serious assault. They also confirmed that he has been released on an undertaking and is expected to appear in court at a future date.

Authorities have stressed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Given the number of people involved and the seriousness of the offences under consideration, further developments cannot be ruled out. Police are continuing to analyse all available evidence to ensure that every person responsible for the disorder is identified.

The incident has once again brought attention to issues surrounding crowd behaviour and stadium security, particularly during high-stakes fixtures involving historic rivals. While the Old Firm derby is one of the most iconic matchups in football, occasions like this serve as a reminder of how quickly tensions can escalate when emotions spill over into disorder.

As legal proceedings begin to take shape for those already charged, and as the investigation continues, the focus remains firmly on accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.

Michael Stewart receives a Hampden ban from the SFA, and the outspoken pundit responds by accusing them of silencing dissenters

Outspoken football analyst Michael Stewart has reportedly been barred from attending matches at Hampden Park by the Scottish Football Association, following mounting frustration among officials over his continued criticism of referees in Scotland. The move represents a significant escalation in tensions between the former player turned pundit and the country’s football authorities.

The 45-year-old was instructed not to attend last month’s international friendly between Scotland and Japan at the national stadium. It is also understood that he will not be present for this weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-finals, which feature Dunfermline against Falkirk and Celtic taking on St Mirren. His absence from such high-profile fixtures is notable, particularly given his role as a leading voice in football broadcasting.

Reports suggest that SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell personally informed Stewart of the decision. As a result, broadcasters including Premier Sports and the BBC will be without one of their most recognisable pundits during a key weekend in the Scottish football calendar, where coverage from Hampden is typically a focal point.

The governing body is believed to have taken this step after reaching a breaking point with Stewart’s outspoken and often harsh assessments of refereeing decisions. This development comes months after he publicly apologised to the SFA for comments made on air, in which he alleged that officials had attempted to “cover up” a VAR call during a match between St Mirren and Hibernian.

Despite that apology, it appears that dissatisfaction with Stewart’s commentary has persisted within the football establishment. Senior figures are said to have grown increasingly weary of his pointed critiques, particularly those directed at referees and match officials during his appearances on Premier Sports. His remarks have frequently been direct and uncompromising, which has contributed to ongoing friction.

Referees and their assistants have also reportedly become frustrated with what they view as repeated and overly critical commentary. Their concerns were formally communicated through the Scottish Senior Football Referees’ Association, which lodged complaints with both the SFA and Premier Sports. This collective pressure is understood to have influenced the decision to impose disciplinary measures.

As it stands, Stewart has been handed an indefinite ban from carrying out broadcasting duties inside Hampden Park. While he remains active in media roles elsewhere, the restriction prevents him from working at Scotland’s national stadium, which hosts major domestic and international fixtures.

In response, Stewart has strongly criticised the decision, issuing a firm statement in which he accused the SFA of attempting to suppress dissenting opinions. He argued that rather than restricting access, the governing body should engage more openly with critics, providing explanations and addressing concerns in a transparent manner.

He emphasised that disagreement is an inherent part of football discourse and noted that many people regularly challenge his views. However, he maintained that pundits should retain the freedom to express their opinions without fear of being excluded from their professional responsibilities. According to Stewart, denying access to venues as a consequence of outspoken commentary raises broader concerns about freedom of expression within the sport.

Despite the controversy, Stewart continues to command a loyal following among fans who appreciate his candid and unfiltered style. His willingness to speak openly has made him a prominent figure in football media, even as it has drawn criticism from others within the game.

His career as a pundit has been marked by several high-profile incidents. In 2020, he issued an apology to James Traynor over remarks made during a Radio Scotland broadcast. On another occasion, radio host Kenny MacIntyre was forced to apologise on air after Stewart used strong language while responding to a critical comment regarding footballer Todd Cantwell.

These episodes have contributed to Stewart’s reputation as a divisive figure within Scottish football. While some view him as an important voice willing to challenge authority and hold officials accountable, others believe his approach can be overly confrontational.

The decision to bar him from Hampden adds another layer to that ongoing debate. It underscores the tension between governing bodies and media personalities, particularly when scrutiny of refereeing standards becomes intense and persistent.

For now, Stewart remains sidelined from Scotland’s national stadium, with no clear timeline for a return. The situation continues to raise questions about the balance between constructive criticism and professional boundaries, as well as the role of pundits in shaping conversations within the modern game.

“I believe the fans aren’t fond of him”: Celtic linked with Rangers star following bold assertion

Even in what has not been their most dominant season, Celtic FC remain in contention to secure a domestic double. That reality underlines the club’s continued dominance within Scottish football, where they consistently find ways to compete for major honours regardless of fluctuations in individual or team form.

This ongoing strength highlights the gap that Celtic have maintained over many domestic rivals, even during periods when performances have not always been at their peak.

Frank McAvennie Makes Bold Rangers FC Claim

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie sparked controversy with an unexpected opinion, suggesting that he admires Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin.

Despite acknowledging that Celtic supporters are not fond of the player, McAvennie openly admitted that he rates Raskin highly and would welcome him at Parkhead. His comments were particularly surprising given the fierce rivalry between the Glasgow clubs.

At a time when Celtic, Heart of Midlothian FC, and Rangers are battling for the league title heading into the post-split fixtures, his remarks added further intrigue to an already intense race.

Weekend Results Keep Pressure On

Recent matches ensured that the competition at the top remains tight. Celtic edged past St Mirren FC in a narrow victory, while Hearts secured three points against Motherwell FC.

Meanwhile, Rangers produced an entertaining 6-3 win over Falkirk FC, with Raskin playing a key role in midfield. His performance in that fixture further strengthened McAvennie’s admiration, particularly his ability to influence the flow of the game.

Nicolas Raskin Compared To Callum McGregor

McAvennie went further by drawing comparisons between Raskin and Celtic captain Callum McGregor. While McGregor may not be at his absolute best this season, his long-term consistency and achievements place him among the top midfielders in Scotland.

Raskin, who arrived in Scottish football in 2023, has yet to win any major trophies with Rangers. In contrast, McGregor has consistently collected silverware during that period, underlining the difference in their respective careers.

As a result, many view the comparison as exaggerated, given McGregor’s sustained excellence and influence over the years.

Experience Gap And Trophy Record

Another factor in the debate is the age difference between the two players. McGregor, at 32, brings a wealth of experience and leadership, while Raskin, at 25, is still developing his game.

Despite being younger, Raskin has not yet managed to separate himself significantly from the Celtic skipper in terms of overall impact. McGregor’s trophy haul and consistent performances continue to set a benchmark that remains difficult to match.

Echoes Of Scott Brown In Style

McAvennie also compared Raskin’s playing style to that of former Celtic captain Scott Brown. He suggested that the Belgian midfielder shares Brown’s ability to frustrate opponents and get under their skin.

While this comparison may hold some merit in terms of playing style, it is important to note that Brown achieved this while consistently winning trophies and leading successful teams. Raskin, on the other hand, is still working toward reaching that level of success.

Unlikely Transfer But Growing Reputation

Although McAvennie’s suggestion that Celtic should sign Raskin is highly unrealistic, it does highlight the midfielder’s growing reputation within Scottish football. Moves between Rangers and Celtic are extremely rare due to the fierce rivalry, making such a transfer almost impossible.

Nevertheless, the fact that a former Celtic player is openly praising a Rangers midfielder speaks volumes about Raskin’s ability. His performances are gaining recognition, even among rival supporters, which reinforces his status as an important figure in the current title race.

In the end, while the idea may never materialise, the discussion itself adds another layer of drama to Scottish football, where strong opinions and intense rivalries continue to shape the narrative.