Salmond to hold summit with Old Firm managers

Scottish first minister Alex Salmond has called for a meeting between the managers of Glaswegian football teams Celtic and Rangers.

Salmond confirmed the move after the Scottish Cup replay at Celtic Park earlier in the month was described as ‘shameful’.

Three Rangers players were red-carded during the match, which also saw several touch-line and tunnel confrontations and 34 arrests inside the stadium.
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is to investigate events at the match.

El Hadji Diouf, a Rangers player who was the last player to be sent off after the final whistle for dissent, was involved in an argument with the Celtic coaching team in the first half.

Following the end-game, Rangers’ assistant manager Ally McCoist and Celtic manager Neil Lennon argued, prompting fights across the stadium.

Strathclyde Police made 34 arrests inside the stadium for a variety of sectarian, racial and breach of the peace offences.

Chief constable Stephen House made contact with the first minister after the game. He wrote to the Scottish Government pleading for a meeting between himself, the government and the Old Firm management.
Annabel Goldie, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, raised the issue during first minister’s Questions last week.

In response, Salmond confirmed that he had decided to hold a summit in order to bring ‘transparency’ between the two Glasgow clubs.

Mr Salmond said football fans were "representatives of their clubs" but noted that players and managers had a special responsibility, being in the public eye.

However, the first minister added that "the disgraceful scenes last night cannot be ignored", and called the suggestion for a meeting from the Strathclyde chief constable “a welcome one”.

Celtic players were given three yellow cards, compared with 10 for Rangers, which led to three red cards for Rangers.

Peter Lawwell, Celtic's chief executive, insisted that his players deserved plaudits for their behaviour.

"The team remained composed throughout what was, at times, a difficult game, and the fact that only three of our players were booked is evidence of that composure and discipline which provided the foundation for us to go and win the match.

"They should be congratulated in this regard," he said.