The repercussions from last week’s awful event at Ibrox, when Celtic midfielder Arne Engels was struck by a coin while preparing to take a corner late in the Glasgow Derby, has continued.
Despite widespread condemnation of the incident, Rangers have failed to issue a personal apology or contact Engels directly about their supporter’s actions. They’ve just issued a statement in the aftermath.
Engels verified speaking with police investigating the incident, but said there had been no outreach from the Ibrox club itself.
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s match against Dundee United, Engels said: [Glasgow Times]
“I only spoke to the police afterwards. They were investigating everything and said they would do everything to search for who it was and to then see what the next consequences are.
“From the Rangers side? I don’t really know if I heard something, But it was okay. You need to move on. We have the next game tomorrow, so we need to focus on that and not really on the things besides football.”
The incident is the latest in a troubling pattern at Ibrox, where high-profile safety issues have plagued matches in recent years.
During a previous derby, shattered glass was recovered in the Celtic goalkeeper’s penalty area, sparking uproar and an investigation, while a Celtic employee needed sutures after being struck by an object hurled from the main stand.
Visiting supporters have regularly been attacked while attending games in Govan, prompting the erection of the nets.
These occurrences have called into question the Rangers’ handling of supporter conduct at their stadium, with calls for greater steps to protect safety.
While Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and club officials have strongly condemned the attack on Engels.
The SPFL has already released a statement requesting anyone with information to contact Police Scotland, and the coin used in the incident has been turned in as evidence.
However, Rangers’ personal apology to Engels would go a long way towards displaying accountability and a commitment to rectifying such behaviour.
