Police have warned Celtic and Rangers hooligans they are braced for trouble ahead of this afternoon’s Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox. Fans of the rivals clashed in Glasgow city centre last month, ahead of their sides’ League Cup Final meeting at the city’s Hampden Park.
In ugly scenes caught on camera, supporters sporting Santa hats brawled on busy streets in front of shocked members of the public on Christmas shopping trips. The trouble was so bad that St Margaret of Scotland Hospice had to cancel a fundraising drive after the charity’s bus stationed on Argyle Street came under fire from warring thugs.
Yesterday, Police Scotland released images of 19 people wanted in connection with the Cup Final chaos. And today the force warned that officers are primed should there be any repeat of last month’s trouble before or after today’s match, which takes place with Brendan Rodgers’ side sitting 14 points clear of Philippe Clement’s men in the Scottish Premiership.
Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said: “An appropriate policing plan is in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the community ahead of the fixture between Rangers v Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, in Glasgow on Thursday, 2 January, 2025.
“We continue to work closely with a range of partners ahead of the match, including both clubs. The use of weapons or violence will not be tolerated and officers will take action where necessary to ensure safety. We are are continuing our enquiries into disorder in Glasgow on Sunday, 15 December, 2024, prior to the Celtic v Rangers Cup Final at Hampden.”
A Police Scotland officer was injured after being hit by a missile during the disorder last month, a 26-year-old man was seriously assaulted in the Argyle Street area and rushed to hospital, and officers were called to Howard Street Celtic pub Gallagher’s Bar after a firework was launched inside.
The terrifying incident was caught on camera due to CCTV within the pub caught. The footage showed the firework exploding after landing under a table, It was launched into the boozer after a Celtic fan confronted a Rangers supporter at the door of the pub and threw a punch, stopping the Santa hat-clad Ger from entering.
Clips of the trouble were shared online, showing Rangers ultras storming the premises, smashing windows and attacking the building. The Celtic fan in question then grabbed the live firework and threw it out another entrance. Another clip featured a woman shouting at revellers to “move back” as the firework exploded.
Anyone with information on last month’s disorder or the 19 individuals officers wish to speak to in connection with the trouble, is asked to come forward. You should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 1100 of 15 December, or call crime fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
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