Chaos unfolds in the Old Firm derby as police are forced to separate Celtic and Rangers supporters following pitch invasion at the end of dramatic Scottish Cup tie

Police were forced to separate fans who stormed the pitch at Ibrox as Celtic beat arch rivals Rangers in dramatic fashion in the latest Old Firm derby.

In the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, the two giants clashed and it was Celtic who prevailed to reach the last-four – winning after a penalty shootout after the game had finished 0-0.

After Tomas Cvancara had scored the winning spot kick for Celtic, away fans entered the field of play in jubilation as the match-winner celebrated in front of the home fans.

His team-mates would soon rush to him to join the celebrations, but fans did the same, with stewards scrambling to keep them off the field.

But they struggled to do so and a number of supporters entered, which triggered angry home fans to respond and embark on the field too. 

There then appeared to be a stand-off between supporters as more entered the field to only escalate the situation, with flares also thrown too. It was then clear that police were involved in having to separate the supporters on the field of play.

Celtic won the game and away fans entered the field in celebration, but Rangers supporters responded

Several Celtic supporters entered the field following the winning penalty, successfully evading stewards with plenty of debris also on the field.

As supporters approached the Celtic players in jubilation, home fans responded, with many donning blue balaclavas.

They initially retreated as stewards clambered to get players back into the changing rooms, but Cvancara became involved again as tensions started to boil over with more Rangers fans entering the field. 

Police carried off what appeared to be a Rangers fan as others surrounded them, and countless Rangers supporters then made their ways over to where those associated with Celtic had been cut off.

At least one flare was thrown into each side, and police, who were armed with batons, stood between them as frustrated Rangers fans took part in the face-off.

Objects were exchanged, with Celtic fans continuing to chant in support of their team. 

Eventually, the Rangers fans retreated as police remained on the field.

It came as Celtic were given the largest away fan allocation since 2018, with 7,500 away fans in attendance.

Police separated supporters until the home fans retreated and the situation calmed

A number of Rangers fans wore blue balaclavas as they entered the field to confront Celtic supporters

The decision was made after negotiations with both clubs and the police, but it is unclear what will follow after the post-match events.

In recent years, away allocations in the fixture have been limited to 800, before it increased to 2,500 a year ago. It is believed Rangers agreed to the conditions if it was reciprocated next time they visit Celtic Park.