The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has joined both Glasgow clubs in strongly condemning an incident during Thursday’s Scottish Premiership clash between Rangers and Celtic. An individual threw a coin onto the pitch, hitting Rangers substitute Engels, who required medical attention after the attack.
In a statement, the SPFL expressed its outrage over the incident, stating, “This behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we fully support any steps taken to identify those responsible for such idiotic, criminal acts.” The governing body further emphasized the dangers of throwing objects onto the pitch and called for severe legal consequences for those found guilty, including football banning orders.
The SPFL also urged fans with any information regarding the incident to contact Police Scotland, awaiting the match delegate’s report.
Rangers condemned the act “in the strongest possible terms.” As Engels prepared to take a corner, an individual struck him as he neared the edge of the pitch in the latter stages of Rangers’ 3-0 victory. There were no Celtic supporters present at Ibrox due to an ongoing dispute about away ticket allocations. Rangers pledged to assist the police in their investigation.
Celtic also denounced the attack, revealing that police are investigating two separate incidents in which individuals threw missiles at players and staff. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed that Engels was “OK,” but he acknowledged the potential severity of the situation, noting that an inch lower, Engels could have been struck in the eye.
Celtic’s right-back, Alistair Johnston, who witnessed the incident, urged fans to show caution and respect at matches, stating, “It’s humans out there, someone’s son, so let’s refrain from chucking things at guys’ heads.”
The attack on Engels came near the conclusion of a derby that saw Rangers cut Celtic’s lead at the top of the Premiership to 11 points. The incident could have serious repercussions, including potential punishment for Rangers.
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