The Ibrox disaster in 1971 was a tragic event where 66 football supporters lost their lives due to crushing on an exit stairway during an Old Firm match at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow.
Details of the Tragedy
On January 2, 1971, during a highly anticipated Old Firm match between rival Scottish football clubs Rangers and Celtic, a devastating crush occurred at Ibrox Park (now Ibrox Stadium) in Glasgow. As the game concluded, a mass movement of fans on Stairway 13 led to a catastrophic pile-up.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | January 2, 1971 |
| Location | Ibrox Park (now Ibrox Stadium), Glasgow, Scotland |
| Event Type | Crush disaster |
| Context | Old Firm football match (Rangers vs. Celtic) |
| Cause | Crushing on an exit stairway (specifically Stairway 13) |
| Fatalities | 66 football supporters |
| Injuries | Over 200 people |
The disaster unfolded in the final minutes of the game. After Celtic scored a late goal, many Rangers fans began to leave, only for Rangers to equalize moments later. This sudden turn of events caused a surge of fans trying to re-enter the stadium or change direction on the already crowded stairway, leading to the collapse of barriers and a severe crush.
Historical Significance
Until the Hillsborough Disaster in 1989, the Ibrox Disaster was the worst football disaster in Britain. It marked a somber moment in the history of Scottish football and prompted significant changes in stadium safety standards across the UK. The incident highlighted the urgent need for improved crowd management and structural integrity in football grounds, leading to stricter regulations and safer designs for football stadia nationwide.
For more information on the disaster and its lasting impact, you can refer to historical accounts, such as those provided by the BBC.
