The report says the Ibrox match involved pyrotechnics, objects thrown, pitch incursions and intimidation of players and officials. It describes a chaotic scene when supporters entered the pitch and warns that “life-threatening violence” was narrowly avoided.
That language raises the stakes. The review also says some stewards were left unnerved, while its account of a steward accepting payments to admit ticketless supporters points to potential failures beyond crowd behaviour. Those claims remain the review’s findings, but they frame the issue as one requiring scrutiny of stadium operations as well as sanctions.
Disorder after Celtic’s final-day game with Hearts adds to the concern. The report says some visiting players were abused as they left the field and were later returned to their team bus. It also notes a £7,500 fine for Celtic, with a one-match, 1,000-seat capacity reduction conditional on another incident.
The broader question is whether clubs are prepared to confront influential supporter groups, rather than relying on penalties after the damage is done. Blackbourne’s central argument is that deterrence depends on consequences being timely and consistently applied.
Rangers and Celtic are due to face a Scottish FA hearing over alleged failures to prevent unacceptable conduct. As the Scottish Premiership season begins, the response to that case-and whether clubs strengthen their approach to crowd safety-will be the next test.