Police Scotland slam 'unacceptable' hostilities in Celtic Trongate celebrations as 'urgent' talks demanded
Celtic have been called upon to engage in talks after celebrations in the Trongate area of Glasgow got out of hand.
Police Scotland have requested talks with Celtic and football authorities after ‘simply unacceptable’ hostility towards officers amid celebrations in the Trongate area of Glasgow.
Thousands of Celtic fans descended upon the area on Saturday after a 3-1 win over Hearts clinched a fifth Premiership title in a row. The ending to that match was already marred in controversy after Hearts claimed players were assaulted on the pitch. Now claims of violence have extended to the Trongate region, despite the Parkhead club urging fans to enjoy their celebration in a responsible manner pre-match should they seal silverware.
Enquiries are being launched after Police Scotland stated in a strongly-worded statement that officers had been hit with missiles and bottles while assisting a medical emergency, with arrests made. They want talks with the likes of the Premiership champions after Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said before the weekend’s events that ‘Celtic Football Club has again failed to bring forward any plan or take any responsibility for the wider conduct and safety of supporters outwith the stadium.’ Investigations into Hearts claims’ are also under way.
Police Scotland on Celtic celebrations in Trongate
A statement read: “Police Scotland officers dealt with unacceptable violence and hostility as fans gathered in Glasgow on Saturday, 16 May, to celebrate Celtic’s Premiership title win. Around 3000 people made their way to the Trongate area of the city following the match, where we faced significant levels of disorder in which officers were injured. Missiles, including glass bottles, were thrown at them when assisting with a medical emergency.
“Specially trained public order officers were deployed and action was taken to restore order, disperse the crowd and make arrests. Extensive enquiries are underway to identify others involved and further arrests will be made.
“A significant amount of alcohol and pyrotechnics were also proactively seized by officers across the day. We are engaging with Heart of Midlothian FC to establish if any of their players were assaulted on the pitch at the conclusion of the event. The circumstances of the incident are being reviewed.”
Police Scotland on talks with Celtic
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “While we recognise that the majority of fans respected the appeal from police and partners to act responsibly, several thousand still descended on the Trongate area, some of whom engaged in serious disorder.
“Once again, we have seen unacceptable levels of violence and anti-social behaviour and Police Scotland's officers have been left to deal with the consequences. Being assaulted is not part of the job and regrettably a number of them were injured. The levels of criminal behaviour witnessed, in particular the hostility directed towards our officers, is simply unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. Those involved should be in no doubt that they will be identified and arrested.
“This mass assembly of people caused significant disruption to local businesses, residents and members of the public in the City Centre. Urgent discussions with Celtic, wider Scottish football authorities and other stakeholders, including Glasgow City Council, is required to achieve a solution that improves public safety, reduces disruption and prevents this from happening again.”
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