Celtic Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo Details Shocking Abuse During Ibrox Clash
Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo has spoken out about the disturbing experience he endured during last weekend’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox, claiming he was targeted with dozens of objects hurled from the stands.
The Finnish shot-stopper, currently acting as Celtic’s back-up keeper, revealed that between 30 to 40 items were thrown in his direction during the match against Rangers. Sinisalo says he was struck on the lower leg by one of the projectiles, with the barrage reportedly including bottles, coins, lighters, vaping devices, and even mugs.
Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Sinisalo addressed the incident: “People have mentioned a bottle being thrown at me, but it was a lot more than that. I was hit, not in my upper body, but somewhere around my lower leg. It wasn’t just one thing – there were lighters, vapes, coins, mugs, a whole variety of things being thrown.
“It’s worth thinking about – what if a glass bottle had hit me in the eye? What if that meant I couldn’t play football again? These are serious questions that need answers.”
Barry Ferguson Responds to Ibrox Incident
Rangers interim boss Barry Ferguson has weighed in on the incident, condemning the behaviour of those responsible and expressing concern for player safety.
“You don’t want to see incidents like that,” Ferguson said. “When things like bottles or other objects are thrown, it’s dangerous. That’s not something I ever want to see at a football ground. The club will have to look at it seriously, because this kind of thing can injure someone.”
Ferguson, who has experienced similar hostility as a player, recalled his own memories from his time at Fenerbahce. “I’ve had lighters and other things fly past my head before – it’s a horrible feeling. You’ve got to stay alert at all times. Fans are there to support, but throwing things onto the pitch isn’t acceptable.”
He also expressed hope that the actions of a few won’t jeopardize the return of away fans to Glasgow derby matches. “We’ve waited a long time to have both sets of supporters back in the ground. The last thing we want now is to go back to games with no away fans.”
Supporters and Fans React to Sinisalo’s Experience
Celtic fans have rallied around Sinisalo and called for stricter measures to prevent similar abuse in the future. Many were shocked not only by the volume of objects reportedly thrown but also by the unusual nature of some.
One fan commented on social media: “It’s a serious issue, but a mug? Someone brought a mug to a football game to throw it?”
Another suggested players should not tolerate such conditions: “If that happens again, the team should walk off. Full stop.”
A third fan highlighted the broader issue of fan misconduct: “It’s not just Ibrox – this kind of thing happens too often in Scottish football. Anyone caught throwing anything at players should be banned, regardless of the team they support.”
The incident has reignited calls for tougher stadium security and more accountability for supporter behaviour, with many now watching to see what action – if any – is taken by Rangers and league officials.
