Police were reportedly hit by fireworks and glass bottles amid disorder at the Aberdeen–Rangers and Hearts–Hibs cup matches.

Police Scotland has opened an investigation after officers were assaulted with fireworks, glass bottles and other missiles during disorder ahead of the Premier Sports Cup semi-final between Aberdeen and Rangers at Hampden Park.

Thousands of supporters travelled to Glasgow across Saturday and Sunday for the two cup semi-finals. Aberdeen met Rangers on Saturday, while Edinburgh rivals Hibernian and Hearts faced each other the following day. However, violence surrounding the fixtures overshadowed the football, with police reporting attacks on officers and assaults on two supporters.

One video on social media appeared to depict Aberdeen fans chasing Rangers supporters

Another image with a male lying on the floor covered in blood

The force confirmed that two fans were assaulted during the Saturday disorder. Neither required hospital treatment. Police have condemned the scenes and are working to identify those responsible.

According to officers, trouble began before the Aberdeen versus Rangers match on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Police were targeted in the Curtis Street area, close to King’s Park, as supporters made their way towards the stadium. Several officers were assaulted and struck by fireworks, glass bottles and other objects.

A separate incident was reported outside Hampden, where a man was arrested following an alleged assault.

No arrests were made during the match itself, but photographs and video footage later circulated on social media, apparently showing violent confrontations between rival supporters before kick-off.

One photograph posted on X by an account claiming to be associated with the Rangers Riot Crew showed a man lying on a path with blood covering his face. A second man, wearing a blue face covering, appeared to stand over him.

Another image appeared to show a person in a black puffer jacket lying still on the ground while a police officer approached. A third photograph showed a Rangers supporter crouched beside a fence, using his hands to cover his head.

Footage shared by Aberdeen supporters also claimed to show a group chasing Rangers fans through an alleyway. The images and video prompted further attention online as details of the disorder emerged.

Cops made several arrests over the weekend

Hampden Park hosted the two Premier Sports Cup semi-final fixturesSource: Shutterstock Editorial

The following day, police dealt with a number of incidents during the Hearts against Hibs semi-final. Four men, aged between 24 and 37, were arrested in connection with various alleged offences. These included threatening and abusive behaviour, as well as possession of pyrotechnics.

The four men were later released, but are expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.

Police also issued recorded warnings to two men for threatening and abusive behaviour. A third man was charged with an alleged vandalism offence.

In a separate incident outside the stadium on Sunday, a 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with threatening and abusive behaviour.

Recorded police warnings were also given to four men and one woman in connection with several alleged offences. Those included threatening and abusive behaviour and offences involving pyrotechnic devices.

Police Scotland has strongly criticised the violence, describing the disorder as unacceptable and warning that attacks on officers would not be tolerated. The force has appealed for information and says enquiries are continuing to trace those involved.

Superintendent Paul Douglas said several officers had been assaulted while carrying out their duties during the disorder before the Aberdeen and Rangers match at Hampden on Saturday, October 31.

He explained that officers came under attack from fireworks, glass bottles and other missiles as supporters gathered in the Curtis Street area of Glasgow before kick-off.

Douglas described the violence as disgraceful and stressed that being assaulted was not an accepted part of police work. He added that it was extremely fortunate the officers had not suffered serious injuries.

The superintendent also confirmed that two supporters were assaulted during the same incident, although neither needed hospital treatment.

He warned those responsible that they should have no doubt they would be identified and arrested. Police enquiries are ongoing, and officers will work closely with the football clubs as part of the investigation.

Douglas appealed to anyone with information about the disorder to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1676 of October 31. He urged witnesses and anyone who knows who was involved to come forward and assist the investigation.

The superintendent acknowledged that only a small proportion of supporters behave in this way and cause trouble. However, he encouraged all fans to take personal responsibility for their conduct when attending matches.

The incidents have cast a shadow over a weekend that brought thousands of supporters to Hampden for two major domestic cup fixtures. While the vast majority attended to back their teams, the violence before the Aberdeen-Rangers tie and the arrests connected with the Hearts-Hibs match have become a major concern.

Police Scotland says its investigation remains active. Officers are seeking to establish the full circumstances of the disorder, identify those who attacked police and determine who was responsible for the assaults and other alleged offences, as further enquiries continue.