SPFL Responds to Latest Old Firm Missile Incident as Objects Target Celtic Star
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has issued a statement following yet another disturbing incident during the Old Firm derby on May 4, 2025, at Ibrox Stadium, where objects, including a glass Buckfast bottle, were thrown toward Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo. The match, a tense 1-1 affair, was marred by this reckless act, highlighting a recurring issue in one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
Early in the second half, Sky Sports cameras captured Sinisalo clearing debris from his goalmouth, including plastic cups and a bottle. Further footage revealed a glass Buckfast bottle lying within the penalty area, a dangerous projectile that posed a serious risk to player safety. Rangers substitute Neraysho Kasanwirjo took initiative, running onto the pitch to remove the bottle, a plastic cup, and what appeared to be a disposable vape. Commentator Ian Crocker noted the incident live, underscoring the disruption caused by the thrown objects.
The SPFL’s statement condemned the behavior, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable and jeopardize the safety of players, staff, and spectators. The league confirmed it is awaiting a match delegate’s report and has urged fans with information to contact Police Scotland to identify the culprits. This response echoes previous SPFL actions, such as their 2022 call for witnesses after bottles were thrown during a similar Old Firm clash, which saw a Celtic staff member injured and glass shards littering goalkeeper Joe Hart’s penalty area.
This latest episode adds to a troubling pattern in Old Firm matches. In April 2024, a Rangers fan, David Andrews, was fined £320 and banned from football matches for a year after throwing a Buckfast bottle toward Celtic’s Matt O’Riley during a 3-3 draw at Ibrox. Celtic issued a furious statement at the time, slamming the “repeated targeting” of their players and staff as “appalling and completely unacceptable.” Earlier incidents include a 2023 case where a Celtic fan was permanently scarred by a bottle thrown by a Rangers supporter, leading to a five-year football ban for the offender.
The SPFL’s proactive stance reflects the growing urgency to curb this dangerous trend. The league’s collaboration with Police Scotland and clubs aims to deter future incidents through investigations and sanctions. However, the recurrence of such events raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures. Celtic’s decision to reject away tickets for Ibrox matches since 2023, citing safety concerns, and the mutual agreement to limit away fan allocations in recent derbies underscore the escalating tensions.
Football authorities, clubs, and fans must unite to address this issue. Enhanced security, stricter penalties, and fan education could help restore the Old Firm derby’s reputation as a passionate but safe spectacle. For now, the SPFL’s call for accountability is a step toward ensuring player safety and preserving the integrity of Scottish football’s marquee fixture.
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