Celtic take on review criticisms but say incursion was not 'threatening event'

Celtic say a scathing independent review into the ugly scenes following their Scottish Cup victory at Rangers in March "provides all parties with food for thought and action". However, interim chairman Brian Wilson played down the initial pitch incursion from Celtic fans and says his club made "strong objections to important elements of matchday planning very clear, well in advance". He also questioned Police Scotland's decision to overturn recommendations made by the Safety Advisory Group of Glasgow City Council. Both clubs face disciplinary charges from the Scottish FA over the unrest that came in the wake the quarter-final, which was won on penalties by the visitors at Ibrox. "While we remain in dispute regarding certain points within this review, our club does not shrink from criticisms contained or the lessons to be drawn," added Wilson. "Nobody should, since the potential implications of disregarding them are obviously serious, both for safety and for football. "We continue to believe that the non-violent incursion by a small number of Celtic supporters following the conclusion of the Scottish Cup quarter-final was not, in itself, a major or threatening incident. "However, the actions by a section of the home support, some of them masked and carrying weapons, and subsequent attacks on our supporters and staff, were deeply concerning and we remain puzzled as to why the actions recommended by the Safety Advisory Group of Glasgow City Council were overturned at a senior level within Police Scotland. "This has left a vacuum in the role previously understood by consent to be occupied by the Safety Advisory Group. Accordingly, we welcome the recommendation that the status of Safety Advisory Groups should be formalised and strengthened." The independent review, led by Mark Blackbourne, found: "The Celtic Ultras were the first to enter the pitch in jubilation, with others following their lead. "In contrast, the Union Bears' movement onto the track and towards the pitch was reactionary, confrontational, and overtly threatening. In both cases, the proximity of these groups to the playing surface materially increased the likelihood of a mass incursion and contributed to the rapid escalation of disorder. "The post-match pitch invasion by several hundred Celtic supporters was wholly inexcusable. It provoked an immediate hostile response from sections of the home support, who forced past stewards and police to reach the pitch."