Scottish police are taking no action against Václav Cerny. The former Ajax, FC Utrecht, and FC Twente player, now playing for Rangers, sprayed the Celtic crowd with a water bottle during the Old Firm on March 16. Celtic was not pleased with the incident, but the matter has ended without further consequences.

The euphoric Václav Cerny ran past a section of Celtic supporters and sprayed them with water after Hamza Igamane's dramatic winning goal in Glasgow Rangers' 3-2 victory over Celtic on March 16.

The incident occurred in the dying moments of a fiercely contested Old Firm match at Celtic Park, where emotions were already running high due to the significance of the game. Cerny, seemingly caught up in the excitement of his team’s thrilling win, grabbed a water bottle and sprayed it towards the Celtic fans in celebration as he ran along the touchline.

The reaction from the Celtic fans was immediate and furious. Many in the crowd took offense to what they perceived as deliberate provocation by the Rangers winger. Angry gestures, shouting, and complaints were directed toward the match officials and stadium security. Celtic supporters quickly voiced their displeasure, both during and after the match, by filing complaints with the Scottish police, demanding action against Cerny for what they viewed as an unsporting and inflammatory gesture.

The tensions between Celtic and Rangers are well-documented, with their rivalry considered one of the most intense and bitter in world football. Matches between the two sides often carry significant social and cultural undertones, with passions running deep among fans. This incident only served to escalate the already volatile atmosphere surrounding the Old Firm rivalry.

Celtic’s decision to formally report the incident to the authorities demonstrated the seriousness with which the club viewed Cerny’s actions. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was quick to condemn the act, labeling it disrespectful and setting a poor example for young fans. “I wouldn’t want my players to do that,” Rodgers stated during his post-match press conference. His words were a clear indication that Celtic expected some form of disciplinary action to be taken against Cerny.

However, according to Sky Sports, the Scottish police have decided nearly two weeks later not to take any action against Cerny. Their official statement read, “No criminal offense has been committed.” This decision has not gone down well with Celtic or their supporters, who feel that Cerny’s behavior should have warranted some form of punishment. Celtic’s frustration was only compounded by the fact that the police had merely given Rangers advice on how to avoid such incidents in the future, without issuing any formal sanctions or penalties.

The Scottish police’s conclusion that no criminal offense had occurred was based on their assessment that Cerny’s actions, while provocative, did not constitute a breach of the law. However, the lack of punishment from the police has left the door open for further repercussions from the Scottish Football Association (SFA). The SFA has the authority to take disciplinary measures independently of the police, and it is believed that they are currently reviewing the incident to determine whether Cerny’s actions violated their code of conduct or brought the game into disrepute.

Rangers have thus far stood by their player, downplaying the incident as a moment of overexcitement rather than malicious intent. The club’s official response has been to accept the advice provided by the police and move on. However, there is a growing concern that the issue may not be fully resolved if the SFA decides to intervene.

Meanwhile, Celtic supporters have continued to express their anger over the incident, flooding social media with calls for stricter regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Many argue that Cerny’s actions were not only disrespectful but also dangerous, as throwing or spraying objects at opposing fans could easily escalate into something more violent. The Celtic fanbase is demanding consistency from the authorities, pointing out that previous incidents involving Celtic players celebrating in front of Rangers fans have often led to fines or suspensions.

The incident has also drawn commentary from pundits and former players, with opinions divided on whether Cerny’s actions crossed the line. Some have defended the player, suggesting that passion and exuberance are part of what makes the Old Firm derby so captivating. Others, however, have agreed with Rodgers, calling Cerny’s behavior childish and needlessly provocative.

The ongoing fallout from the incident has only added to the intensity of the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers. With both clubs vying for dominance in the Scottish Premiership, tensions are likely to remain high as the season progresses. As Rangers celebrate their hard-fought 3-2 victory, Celtic fans continue to feel aggrieved, believing that the authorities have failed to adequately address Cerny’s conduct.

For now, the matter remains unresolved. The Scottish Football Association’s potential involvement looms large, and their decision could have significant implications for both Cerny and Rangers. If the SFA opts to issue a fine or suspension, it would likely further inflame tensions between the two clubs. Conversely, a decision to take no action could be interpreted by Celtic supporters as yet another example of perceived leniency toward Rangers.

The situation has also raised broader questions about player conduct and fan interactions during high-profile matches. With the eyes of the football world often focused on the Old Firm derby, incidents like these are scrutinized more intensely than those occurring in other fixtures. Whether intended or not, Cerny’s actions have become a flashpoint for debate about professionalism, sportsmanship, and respect within the game.

As Rangers prepare for their next set of fixtures, Cerny’s status remains under close scrutiny. For Celtic, the memory of their 3-2 defeat and the perceived slight from Cerny’s actions are unlikely to be forgotten any time soon. The fallout from the incident continues to simmer, and whatever decision the SFA ultimately makes, it will almost certainly add another chapter to the storied and often contentious rivalry between these two great clubs.