Coin Throwing Assault: Justice for Arne Engels, But What About Ibrox?

A Rangers supporter faced justice for assaulting Celtic's Arne Engels with a coin, but questions linger about the culture at Ibrox that enables such violence.

So, a Rangers 'supporter' who chucked a coin at Celtic midfielder Arne Engels during January's Glasgow Derby at Ibrox has finally been served some justice. It only took some CCTV trawling and a public appeal for him to turn himself in.

The Assault and the Aftermath

Cameron Douglas, a 23-year-old, admitted in Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Arne Engels. This wasn't a drunken chant; it was a deliberate act of violence aimed at a professional footballer. The court heard how Engels was struck above the eye by a £1 coin. Play was halted, and Engels needed treatment.

Justice Served (Sort Of)

Unlike another 'supporter' who threw a Buckfast bottle, Cameron Douglas avoided prison. Instead, he got 200 hours of community service, a 9-month curfew, and a five-year ban from football matches. A welcome outcome, but is it enough?

Ibrox's Problem

This isn’t an isolated incident. Coins, bottles, lighters – it's happened before at Ibrox. While Douglas is punished, the culture enabling this behavior continues. Engels was just doing his job and should have been protected.

Time for Change at Ibrox?

The courts have acted, but until Ibrox gets its act together, questions will remain. How many more incidents will it take before sections of Ibrox face closure? That might be the only punishment they'll understand.

Look, nobody wants to see a football stadium turn into a free-for-all. It's time for Ibrox to step up and tackle this problem head-on. Otherwise, we'll be back here again, talking about the same old nonsense. Let's hope they sort it out before someone gets seriously hurt, yeah?