Celtic Beat Rangers 4-2 on Penalties at Ibrox — Scottish Cup Chaos as Fans Storm the Pitch

Celtic are through to the Scottish Cup semi-finals after one of the most dramatic and controversial Old Firm encounters in years. Rangers and Celtic drew 0-0 after 90 minutes and extra time at Ibrox on Sunday, March 8, with Celtic winning the penalty shootout 4-2 to advance to the last four.

How the Penalty Shootout Unfolded

It was James Tavernier and Djeidi Gassama who missed the decisive penalties for Rangers, with Tomas Cvancara beating Jack Butland as Celtic won a Scottish Cup tie at their rivals' home for the first time since 1957.

Rangers captain James Tavernier hit the bar with the first penalty before fellow substitute Djeidi Gassama blazed over, with Cvancara then sealing the victory as Celtic ran out 4-2 winners from the spot.

Pitch Invasion and Crowd Violence Overshadow the Result

Supporters of Celtic and Rangers clashed amid a pitch invasion after full-time. Celtic had converted all their penalties to win the shootout 4-2, but scenes of celebration in the away end were soon soured as fans made their way onto the Ibrox pitch. Rangers supporters soon followed, with police forced to erect a human barricade between the two sides. Flares were thrown onto the pitch and television footage showed one Rangers fan getting close to Celtic players after the final whistle.

This was the first time travelling supporters had been allowed the traditional away allocation of 7,500 tickets in eight years.

The Scottish FA confirmed an investigation would begin immediately, stating it condemns the behaviour from supporters entering the field of play and that the matter will be carried out in line with the Judicial Panel Protocol.

What the Managers Said

Rangers head coach Danny Röhl said he had left the field before the turmoil broke out, acknowledging the emotional situations after a game of this magnitude. Celtic boss Martin O'Neill said he was in a euphoric state but would not diminish what had happened in the stands, promising to think about it and speak to the media in due course.

Celtic Are Now Overwhelming Scottish Cup Favourites

With league leaders Hearts, cup holders Aberdeen, and fellow top-six sides Motherwell and Hibernian already out, Martin O'Neill's Celtic are now red-hot favourites to lift the trophy. They will play St Mirren, who beat Partick Thistle 2-1, in the last four, with Falkirk up against Dunfermline in the other semi-final.

Rangers' Season in Ruins

Danny Röhl's Rangers are now out of both domestic cup competitions and Europe, meaning the Scottish Premiership title is their only remaining hope of lifting silverware this season. The Gers sit third in the league table, with Hearts out in front at the summit.

Full Scottish Cup Semi-Final Draw

The Scottish Cup final is scheduled for May at Hampden Park, Glasgow.