Rangers fan ‘stabbed’ by gang after Old Firm match

A RANGERS fan who was ‘stabbed’ by a gang of men claiming to be Celtic supporters has told of his shock at the “unprovoked” attack.

Scott, who declined to give his surname, was attacked alongside his dad outside Park Lane Bar in Hope Street at 9.50pm on Sunday as they made their way home to Ayrshire having watched Old Firm clash in the city centre.

The 28-year-old says they were approached by a group of around 20 men asking if they “were Rangers” before the thugs began to punch the pair.

However, it wasn’t until after Scott realised the extent of his and his father’s injuries.

Scott required stitches to a stab wound in his upper back, just inches from his neck, while his 54-year-old dad was left with two fractures in his leg and was knocked unconscious.

He said: “It was completely unprovoked. I’m just thankful it was where it was and not a few inches higher or I wouldn’t be here now. I’m quite upset and angry that it happened. It’s disappointing that we were just targeted for being Rangers fans.

“We weren’t provoking anyone, we weren’t causing any trouble.

“I’ve been going to football games since I was a wee boy, this is my team, I’ve followed them all over the country and abroad and I’ve never been subjected to anything like this before.”

Scott and his dad will both be forced to take some time off work while they recover from the callous attack.

He added: “It’s appalling. These people are clearly going to games armed with weapons and having the intent to use them.

“No matter who you follow people shouldn’t be subjected to this or fear being in the city just because of the team you support.”

Police said that one line of inquiry was that the incident was football related. A spokesman said: “Police were called to a report of a large scale disturbance.

“A 54-year-old received serious injuries but he refused medical treatment.”

A 31-year-old man is understood to have been arrested but was released without charge. Inquiries are continuing.