An exploding firework was launched into a Celtic pub by Rangers thugs who rampaged through the city centre before clashing with rival Hoops ultras.
Gallagher’s Bar on Howard Street, near to St Enoch shopping centre, was hit in a terrifying attack which saw a Rangers ultra wearing a Santa hat throw the pyrotechnic device in a main door at the bar.
CCTV footage taken from within the bar was shared on social media. The shocking clip shows how punters were forced to jump out of the way as the device blew up underneath a table.
The firework was lobbed through the entrance to the boozer where fans were gathering ahead of the Old Firm Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden. One woman can be seen leaping onto a bench to avoid the live firework.
The pyro was thrown just after a man wearing a Celtic top confronted one Rangers fan at the doorway. The Rangers lout can be seen wearing a face-covering and a Santa hat and is stopped from entering by the Celtic supporter who throws a punch.
More ultras then swarm the pub and start banging on windows. The door is then opened and the pyro device is lobbed inside. It lands just underneath a chair and tables.
A group of men who were sitting with drinks at another table all stand up and move out of the way as other fans can be seen clearing the area where the firework continues to go off.
The same Celtic fan who was involved in the altercation at the doorway then picks up the still lit firework and appears to throw it back outside from another door.
The pub carnage emerged hours after cops clashed with both sets of rival ultra groups. Violent scenes unfolded in the town as terrified Christmas shoppers cowered in terror within shops as fireworks were lobbed on Argyle Street.
Two women could be heard screaming as they tried to make their way out of a shop but they were forced back inside as supporters rushed past her, with a firework – similar to that used in Gallagher’s – exploded at the entrance.
We also told how staff at HMV was forced to close the door to protect shoppers from the ugly clashes on the major city centre street.
Police were forced to deploy special powers yesterday in a bid to crackdown on the football thugs. The Force told yesterday how missiles were launched at officers in Argyle Street and windows were smashed at a premises in Howard Street.
A Police Scotland chief implemented powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public order Act 1994. It allowed officers to stop and remove masks or face coverings from ultra groups.
Police units across the south side, east end and South Lanarkshire were able carry out the stop and search power up until 9pm last night.
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan said: “We have dealt with a number of incidents in Glasgow city centre today involving individuals engaging in disorder and violence across the city.
“Officers have had to act swiftly and robustly to ensure public safety and reduce disorder. The use of weapons or violence will not be tolerated and officers will take action where necessary to ensure safety.
“It impacts other members of the public and the vast majority of football supporters who want to enjoy the cup final event safely. Officers will remain in the city as our operation continues and anyone with any concerns can approach them.”