Celtic slammed by police as Glasgow braces for possible title disorder

The force has released a statement regarding its policing plan ahead of this weekend's Scottish Premiership decider between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park.

If the Hoops win, thousands of supporters are expected to gather in the Trongate area to celebrate as they have done each year since 2022.

However, Police Scotland has hit out at the club for failing to organise any event for fans to celebrate or take responsibility for their conduct outside the stadium, despite discussions with Glasgow City Council "over many months".

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Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: "We have a comprehensive plan in place to support the weekend football fixtures and our policing operation will focus on ensuring public safety and minimising disruption to local communities.

"We have supported Glasgow City Council in discussions with both Celtic and Rangers over many months to explore options and encourage the clubs to establish an organised event or fanzone which would allow their supporters to celebrate safely and reduce the impact on the local community should they win the title. 

"These talks were held following the widespread disorder within Glasgow city centre following recent league successes.

"Despite these welcome efforts, 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."

(Image: Jane Barlow)

ACC Waddell said the wellbeing of officers has been impacted with rest days being cancelled.

He continued: "Should Celtic win the title on Saturday, we have again had to plan for thousands of supporters gathering in the Trongate area of the city as in previous years.

"A dedicated policing plan is in place should this occur which has impacted on the wellbeing of our officers and staff and led to the unnecessary cancellation of rest days.

"Anyone intent on breaking the law and engaging in anti-social behaviour should be in no doubt that we will enforce the law to maintain public safety.

"Anyone planning to visit Glasgow City Centre on Saturday should be aware it will be much busier than normal, with increased use of public transport – so please plan your travel in advance."

Police Scotland said similar discussions took place between Edinburgh City Council and Hearts, with the club organising an open-top bus parade for Sunday should they win the title.

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Celtic FC has released a statement on social media on Friday discouraging supporters from gathering in the city centre, citing pressure that has been placed on the city in previous years.

Acknowledging the disruption caused in previous years, the statement said: "Celtic has met in recent weeks with Glasgow City Council.

"We understand that the pressure placed on the city on such occasions is immense.

"We know there have been instances in the past which have proved difficult for the local community in terms of movement, obstructions and impact on emergency services."

It added: "The pressure which is placed on the city and its services clearly will be enormous and we want to do all we can to support the city."

(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill also asked fans to be "mindful" of the local community.

He said: "It goes without saying that, if we are successful, we will all be looking forward to enjoying it but it’s also important that we do so safely and responsibly.

"We want all our fans to be safe and ensure that we are mindful of others and our wider community.

"Our fans have such a great reputation for positively supporting the team and if we do achieve what we want at the weekend, we want that positive support to shine through again."

The Glasgow Times previously reported that glass panels have been removed from a bus shelter on Trongate ahead of the potential title party.

Pictures taken on Friday morning show that one shelter has already been stripped of its glass and taped off, with another seen with tools on the seats.

During 2023’s unofficial title party, two supporters plunged through a shelter roof, while the council later revealed it had spent more than £73,000 repairing damage to the nearby Mercat Cross after thousands gathered there in 2024.

Celtic FC has been contacted for comment.