Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny off the hook after police see ‘no criminality’ in Old Firm ‘watergate’ celebration

Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny won’t face further action by the police following an investigation into the ‘watergate’ incident at Parkhead during the last Old Firm derby.

The 27-year-old was the subject of a probe after appearing to spray Celtic fans with water following Ibrox striker Hamza Igamane’s late winner on March 16. Cerny could still face SFA punishment but police have found that no criminality had taken place.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: ‘We received information, enquiries were carried out and no criminality has been established.

‘Officers have engaged with the club and advice was given.’

Addressing the fall-out from the game, Rangers interim boss Barry Ferguson had defended his player’s conduct and said Cerny was ‘just over-excited’.

However, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers failed to see the funny side and when asked if he would have had an issue if one of his own players had behaved in such a manner, Rodgers replied: ‘Yeah, I would, yeah. It’s respect, isn’t it?

Cerny appeared to spray Celtic supporters with water after Rangers’ late winner in the derby 

Nico Raskin  celebrates with Cerny after scoring  the opening goal in the 3-2 win at Celtic Park

‘I think it’s a lack of respect if somehow a player runs up a touchline and he’s squirting a water bottle in a supporter’s face. I certainly wouldn’t want my players to do it.’

Rodgers was asked if there was a potential safety issue with such behaviour. The Celtic boss added: ‘Yeah, and in the main, and this game’s what we’ve been involved in, they do (behave). That’s the reality of it.

‘And, listen, it works both ways. A lot comes into players as well, from the stands to coaches, managers and players. But I think we all know there’s a line that we shouldn’t cross. 

‘Like I said, it is a very emotive game, an amazing fixture, and I thought it was great to have the (away) fans back in. I think that gave it that extra bit as well.

‘But I just think there is lines we can’t antagonise because, in this fixture in particular, that can lead to an issue.

‘I understand the jubilation, and Rangers players have every right to celebrate with their supporters.

‘You come to Celtic Park like it would be when we go to Ibrox. You win a game of that magnitude, you celebrate. But not in that way.’