OLD FIRM giants Celtic and Rangers have kicked off talks with the authorities with a view to avoiding “the kind of disorder, vandalism and violence’ which has marred recent title celebrations, according to an MSP.
An estimated 25,000 Celtic fans gathered in Merchant City last May, bringing the area to a standstill as they celebrated the club’s third successive Scottish Premiership league win – with four police officers injured during the party and 19 arrests made.
Crowds of Celtic fans gather at the Trongate to celebrate their team’s title in May 2024[/caption]
Rangers football supporters celebrating 55th league victory are cleared from George Square by police in riot gear in 2021[/caption]
Such mass gatherings have become part of Scottish football – with similar celebrations in Trongate by Celtic fans in 2022 and 2023, and George Square by Rangers fans in 2021.
Fans were criticised for engaging in anti-social behaviour, violence and causing property damage with community councils representing Merchant City, Trongate, and Calton previously saying people in the area had been ‘terrified and intimidated’ by the display.
Now the Glasgow Times reports that Glasgow City Council are set to host talks with both clubs, community leaders and Police Scotland – saying they will support clubs by organising or hosting celebrations for supporters – although no agreement has been made as yet on what sort of event could take place.
They say that MSP Kaukab Stewart has also arranged a meeting with “all relevant parties” – and it’s expected to take place next week.
Stewart says she has been “inundated” with messages from residents and businesses in the city centre and has met with representatives from Rangers and Celtic to discuss what plans could be put in place to prevent repeats.
She told the Glasgow Times: “Since my election in 2021 celebrations at the end of the SPFL season have seen fans flock to the city centre and unfortunately some have caused fear and alarm for both residents and businesses.
“After been inundated with correspondence from individuals throughout the city centre I have met with both Rangers FC and Celtic FC, the Merchant City and Trongate Community Council, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss concerns and explore what plans could be put in place to prevent this happening so everyone feels safe in the city centre to go about their business.
“Clearly we need a long-term plan to look at alternative solutions so celebrations can take place without causing anti-social behaviour, this requires all relevant stakeholders to work together.
“With the SPFL season coming to an end shortly, I have arranged a meeting with all relevant parties to discuss what has been implemented to ensure we do not have a repeat of previous years.”
A Glasgow City Council spokesperson was quoted as saying: “Glasgow is a great sporting city – and fans should have the opportunity to celebrate success.
“However, there can be absolutely no justification for celebrations that lead to the kind of disorder, vandalism and violence that has been a persistent feature of gatherings at Trongate and George Square at the conclusion of recent football seasons.
“We have heard and we share the frustrations of local businesses and people living in these neighbourhoods.
“The council has made it clear during its engagement with clubs and stakeholders that it would be in the best interests of the city, its sporting institutions and above all local communities for all parties to use whatever influence they have to encourage fans not to gather in that manner.
“At the same time, the council has always been clear that it will support any efforts made by clubs to organise or host sustainable and safe celebrations for supporters. “We have been engaging on this subject, consistently, over recent years – and we will continue to do so right up to the end of this season.”
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