Kilmarnock director accuses Rangers fans of breaching gate and forcing entry into Rugby Park while Rangers say ticketing issues contributed to the incident
Monday 5 August 2019 15:57, UK
Rangers have promised to take the "appropriate action" after supporters invaded the pitch and fell through an enclosure for disabled fans at Kilmarnock on Sunday.
The incidents occurred after Connor Goldson scored an injury-time winner for Rangers at Rugby Park.
One supporter was injured by the collapse of the enclosure, while other fans had to be moved for the rest of the match.
Rangers have promised to take action but also expressed concern over Kilmarnock's new ticketing system, which they say contributed to the incident.
"Rightly or wrongly a gate was forced - but the real cause of the serious congestion and crushing which occurred outside the stadium before and after kick-off cannot be disguised," Rangers told Sky Sports News in a statement.
"The failure of Kilmarnock's ticketing system caused the problem and this has to be addressed. After all, it had become apparent long before kick-off that there was a problem with their entry system which resulted in a safety issue with fans fearing injury.
"This is not the first time their system has failed.
"However, Rangers does not condone the behaviour of those fans who invaded the pitch and who caused the damage to the facility housing disabled supporters.
"The appropriate action will be taken to deal with those who can be identified but it should be pointed out that Rangers had made Kilmarnock aware of concerns over facilities for the disabled at Rugby Park."
Kilmarnock director Phyllis McLeish earlier expressed her worries at the actions of the Rangers supporters, saying: "Dismayed and horrified - the scenes were just carnage.
"We were worried somebody could have been seriously hurt. We were very lucky it wasn't more serious.
"I think it was impatience from some of the Rangers fans. Almost three quarters of them were already in the ground when this incident happened, and then a manned gate was breached. It wasn't opened."
Rangers, the SPFL and Police Scotland are yet to comment on McLeish's claims.
However, Police Scotland have confirmed they are investigating the incidents that occurred during the match at Rugby Park, while the SPFL said: "The scenes at the end of the game at Rugby Park were simply unacceptable.
"The passion and energy of Scottish fans is a huge asset to the game, but nobody wants to see them invading the pitch - their place is in the stands.
"We will be working with Police Scotland and both clubs to investigate the incidents at the game, including turnstile and ticketing arrangements and will be studying CCTV footage to see what additional actions are required."
