Scottish Government summon warring Old Firm clubs to crisis talks

Red rage: El Hadji Diouf is sent off
11 April 2012

Celtic and Rangers will be hauled up in front of the Scottish Government it was announced today.

Three Rangers players were sent off as their Glasgow rivals won the Scottish Cup fifth-round replay 1-0. Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist and Celtic boss Neil Lennon were involved in angry clashes while police arrested 34 fans following trouble.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond this morning called the clubs to a crisis summit in Edinburgh next week. The move came after Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Corrigan spoke to Salmond and wrote to his Government asking for a "frank and open" discussion.

The violence followed an SPL match on February 20, also at Celtic Park, where nearly 250 fans were arrested on the day.

Scottish Football Association chief Stewart Regan said: "I was saddened and deeply embarrassed to witness the scenes. The SFA condemn the inflammatory and irresponsible behaviour."

Corrigan is anxious that action be taken to stem any further trouble. "We fully support the clubs and the football authorities in the work that they are doing in addressing many of the problems that affect our society," he said.

"However, the events of the past few weeks have shown that there is much that needs to be done.

"It is the responsibility of us all, not just football, to do everything we can to reduce the violence and end the sectarianism that, sadly, is still ruining lives and is an embarrassment to our country."

Les Gray, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, is calling for the Old Firm derby to be played behind closed doors or banned altogether.

He said: "The behaviour of all those involved last night was nothing short of disgraceful. We simply don't have the money and resources to do this. Everyone involved needs to sit down and look at this. Something has to give. This madness cannot go on.

"What happens on the pitch is reproduced throughout Scotland, on the streets, in pubs, in homes.You cannot justify it. It can't keep on going."

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