Detective Chief Inspector David Lamont issued the warning after Jordan Hadden was jailed for his part in disorder at Ibrox Stadium.

Hadden, 28, was sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday, October 22, 2026, after pleading guilty to two offences last month. He was jailed for 16 months and given an eight-year Football Banning Order.

Detective Chief Inspector David Lamont said: “Hadden was involved in the serious disorder that unfolded at the end of this fixture.

"His reckless behaviour was completely unacceptable, and it was fortunate that the officer was able to avoid being struck by the bottle.

"This sentence demonstrates that those who engage in this type of disorder will be held accountable for their actions.

"Our investigation remains ongoing, and we are committed to identifying and tracing everyone involved."

(Image: Police Scotland)

The disorder followed Rangers’ defeat by Celtic on penalties in a Scottish Cup semi-final on March 8, 2026.

Celtic supporters initially entered the pitch from the Broomloan Road stand after the match. Hadden, from Tollcross in Glasgow, was in the Copeland Road stand on the opposite side of the stadium.

Prosecutors said he was one of the first supporters from the home end to enter the pitch. He overcame security barriers and moved towards the goal area.

Prosecutor Abbas Ali said: “Hadden entered the pitch by overcoming the security barriers and took position near the goal area with others unknown.”

Hadden then turned towards the Rangers support and waved repeatedly, appearing to encourage more people to enter the playing area.

Ibrox stadium pitch invasion (Image: PA)

Mr Ali said: “Hadden was seen to turn to the crowd and wave the Rangers fans and appeared to encourage them to enter the pitch by waving his arms repeatedly.”

He crossed the pitch towards the Celtic supporters before approaching a police cordon near the 18-yard box. Hadden picked up an orange bottle and threw it towards the Celtic fans.

Mr Ali said: “An unknown police officer was seen to take evasive action to avoid being struck with the bottle which narrowly avoided hitting the officer.”

Hadden returned towards the Copeland Road stand and disappeared into the crowd. He was later identified through CCTV enquiries, including footage from broadcaster Premier Sports.

He was arrested and charged on March 24, 2026.

Hadden admitted conducting himself in a disorderly manner, committing a breach of the peace, and culpable and reckless conduct.

His solicitor, John McLaughlin, told the court Hadden had been under the influence of alcohol and had limited recall of what happened.

John McLaughlin said: “In the spur of the moment, he picked up the bottle and threw it over the cordon in the direction of opposition fans - he was not aiming it at anyone in particular.”

John McLaughlin said: “In the cold light of day, he knows his behaviour was extremely reckless and dangerous and could have caused an injury - he is fortunate no one was struck.”

Sheriff Lorraine Glancy KC said: “Had the officer not seen the bottle and took evasive action, he could have been struck on the head with it.”

Fraser Gibson, procurator fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin, said: “Football-related crime is a blight on Scotland’s communities. It will not be tolerated.”

The investigation into other people involved remains ongoing.