Four Celtic fans jailed over violent Old Firm clash in Glasgow

Four Celtic fans have been jailed for a total of five years for a city centre riot with Rangers supporters.

Andrew Campbell, 29, John Devine, 28, Thomas Slavin, 27, and Liam Coogans, 29, were involved in the mass disturbance in Glasgow city centre on December 15, 2024.

Ultra and hooligan groups from both Celtic and Rangers clashed that morning before a League Cup final at Hampden.

The four men pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to breach of the peace.

CCTV footage from December 15, 2024 (Image: Crown and Procurator Fiscal Service)

Campbell, of the city's Anniesland, and Devine, of Blantyre, Lanarkshire, were jailed for one-and-a-half years each. They have been banned from football matches for eight years.

Slavin, of Govanhill, and Coogans, of Larkhall, Lanarkshire, were sentenced to one year each. They have been banned from football matches for four years.

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Sheriff Andrew McIntyre said at today's sentencing: "Football-related crime is a serious and longstanding problem in this city and the development, in recent years, of rioting by football supporters on the streets of Glasgow marks a serious and worrying escalation in the level of disorder to which the people of Glasgow, and visitors to the city, have been subject. 

"The disturbance in which you were each involved caused, not only disruption, but fear and alarm for people - both adults and children - going about their business in the city centre on a busy Sunday in the lead up to Christmas.  

"The preparation for, and the response to, this behaviour also come at a financial cost to public services, draining resources which could be put to better causes.  

"This conduct was an embarrassment to the city and to your team.

"Such was the scale of these riots that they challenged the ability of the police to maintain law and order, and thus public safety, on the streets of Glasgow. 

"The officers of Police Scotland who, as part of their day at work, had a duty to turn up, go into the streets, and face the violence of which you were part, in order to protect the public are to be commended for their bravery and professionalism. 

"It is also to the credit of Police Scotland that, through their skill and dedication, they were able to identify each of you so that these prosecutions could be brought to court.

"I consider that to impose community sentences in these cases would risk emboldening those who, for one reason or another, enjoy taking part in football-related rioting and might be tempted to do so in the future.

"It should be widely understood that, if you choose to riot through the streets of Glasgow, then a prison sentence is highly likely."

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The court previously heard that a group of Rangers fans attended Connolly's Irish Bar in the Merchant City, which is frequented by Celtic supporters, after midday.

The Rangers fans banged on the pub windows before they headed back to the city centre.

Meantime, a group of Celtic fans, which included Campbell, Devine, Slavin and Coogans, made their way into the city centre from the Gallowgate area.

Prosecutor Josh Dowie said: "Members of the public were forced to flee and take refuge in nearby shop premises.

"Officers walking alongside the Celtic fans had their batons drawn and gave orders to desist in their advancement towards the Rangers supporters.

"However, these orders were ignored and the group of Celtic supporters became hostile towards them."

Both rival groups advanced towards each other on Dunlop Street and were separated by less than 500 metres.

Mr Dowie added: "Both groups then came together, challenging each other to fight and a mass disorder took place.

"During the disorder, the Celtic fans threw bricks, lit fireworks, bottles and other items at the Rangers supporters."

Members of the public who looked on were stated to be "frightened and scared."

The riot also spilled onto the roads, which stopped vehicles from being able to move.

Mr Dowie stated: "Campbell has walked to the front of the group, turned and raised his hands above his head and began to clap towards the other Celtic supporters.

"Devine has also proceeded along Argyle Street, approached opposing supporters with his arms outstretched whilst encouraging others to continue the disorder.

"Slavin, Devine, Coogans and Campbell have then left."

However, the disorder continued in front of women and young children who had to find refuge in nearby shops.

One woman was reported to have had a panic attack caused by the disturbance and struggled to breathe.

Another witness stated that a Rangers fan fell within the group and was being kicked and assaulted by the Celtic supporters.

A police cordon was put in place to separate both sets of fans.

The Rangers group were put on a train to Mount Florida to attend the game while the Celtic fans were marched to Hampden Park by police officers.

A CCTV investigation led to the four Celtic fans being identified and arrested.

Devine's phone was seized and analysed by officers.

He received a text from an unknown person saying: "Walking through town to the game. Hopefully get something with the Huns on way there."

Devine replied: "Aye defo bro, I'll be there just let me know times and that."

He was asked the next day if he knew anyone who wanted to "box" as "heavy chance we bump into them Sunday morning."

Devine responded: "Right bro I'll ask about, see who's up for it, I'll be about all weekend anyhow mate so just keep me posted."

Following the sentencing, Fraser Gibson, Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin, said: “These four men were part of a mob which caused horrifying scenes in Glasgow city centre.   

“Innocent members of the public, including children, were exposed to football-related violence and disorder. Many were left terrified after what should have been a simple shopping trip. 

“This is intolerable behaviour which brings shame to Scotland. These four men were part of a large-scale football-related crime on public streets.  

“It should be understood that anyone who chooses to participate in football-related rioting can expect to be held accountable by COPFS.”