T
he fallout from last week’s troubling incident at Ibrox, where Celtic midfielder Arne Engels was struck by a coin during the Glasgow Derby, continues to draw widespread criticism. Engels was preparing to take a corner late in the match when a Rangers supporter launched the projectile. The lack of a direct apology from Rangers has fueled outrage among fans and commentators alike.
Following the incident, Rangers issued a generic statement but have not personally reached out to Engels to address the actions of their supporter. Engels confirmed speaking with the police, who are actively investigating the matter, but expressed that no communication had come from the Ibrox club itself. Reflecting on the situation, he stated, “I only spoke to the police afterwards. They said they would investigate thoroughly and determine the next steps. From Rangers, I haven’t really heard anything, but it’s okay. We need to focus on the next game and not on issues outside football.”
This incident isn’t an isolated case at Ibrox. Over recent years, the stadium has been the scene of several concerning safety breaches. A previous Glasgow Derby saw shattered glass recovered from the Celtic goalkeeper’s penalty area, while another incident involved a Celtic staff member needing medical attention after being struck by an object thrown from the stands. These recurring issues highlight the urgent need for Rangers to improve their management of supporter behavior and ensure a safe environment for players and fans.
Celtic’s management has publicly condemned the attack on Engels, with manager Brendan Rodgers calling for stronger measures to address such incidents. The SPFL has also released a statement urging anyone with information to contact Police Scotland, adding that the coin involved in the attack has been handed over as evidence. Despite these efforts, the lack of personal accountability from Rangers continues to raise concerns about the club’s stance on such behavior.
A direct apology to Engels could serve as a step towards repairing the damage and demonstrating a commitment to improving safety and accountability at Ibrox. However, without significant action, these incidents risk overshadowing the sport and further tarnishing the reputation of one of Scotland’s most pro
minent clubs.