Danny Röhl has called for shared responsibility following the chaotic scenes surrounding the recent clash between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C., but many supporters believe the blame should not be spread so easily.
There was a time when Röhl was viewed as a serious voice within Scottish football. However, his recent remarks about the incidents that unfolded at Ibrox Stadium have left many Celtic fans frustrated and surprised.
The Rangers manager suggested that the focus should return to football and that everyone involved in the fixture should take some level of responsibility so the rivalry can move forward, potentially allowing full supporter allocations again in the future.
But critics argue that this message feels more like an attempt to spread blame rather than confront what actually happened.
Calls for shared responsibility questioned
After the match, Röhl faced two clear options. He could have strongly condemned the events that followed the game, or he could adopt a more cautious stance that avoided directly criticising those involved.
Many observers believe he chose the second option.
Röhl initially said he was inside the tunnel and did not see the incidents firsthand. Despite that, he has since spoken about the need for collective responsibility across the game.
Critics point out that since arriving at Rangers, Röhl has made strong efforts to connect with the club’s most vocal supporters. Some believe this approach was designed to secure backing during a difficult period for the club rather than challenge problematic behaviour within sections of the fanbase.
The atmosphere around the fixture
Addressing that same group of supporters now would likely be complicated. However, many argue that the atmosphere surrounding this fixture has already become deeply hostile.
It is difficult for figures within the game to condemn disorder while also demanding a return to full away allocations for matches between Celtic and Rangers.
In recent years, the rivalry has grown increasingly tense, with critics suggesting that certain voices have contributed to that environment by refusing to challenge the most aggressive elements of the support.
Celtic’s position
Earlier this week, Brian Wilson of Celtic addressed the situation publicly. While his comments were considered cautious by some, he made one key point — supporters entering the pitch after a major victory is not an uncommon sight in football.
What made the scenes at Ibrox different, however, was what followed afterwards. Celebrations rarely lead to confrontation with angry supporters entering the field.
Celtic have indicated that they will accept responsibility for any genuine wrongdoing by their own supporters. If seats were damaged or property vandalised, the club is expected to deal with those issues appropriately.
However, beyond minor damage or graffiti, some supporters are questioning what exactly Celtic are expected to take responsibility for.
Pitch invasions are generally managed through stewarding and police operations on matchday. The more serious issue concerns the behaviour of individuals who entered the pitch aggressively and created a dangerous situation.
Many observers argue that these two issues should not be treated as the same thing.
Minor supporter misconduct is something that occurs across football. Violent confrontations are far more serious and should be addressed separately.
Supporters insist that calls for Celtic to “share responsibility” appear to be an attempt to spread the blame rather than focus on those responsible for the most serious incidents.
Until the wider issues surrounding the fixture are addressed honestly, the debate around these events is likely to continue.