Damage from football celebration “unacceptable” – advice

Updated 32 minutes ago

Police in Glasgow say 19 people were arrested and four officers were injured during celebrations following Celtic’s Premier League title win.

An estimated 25,000 fans gathered in the city center around Glasgow Cross and the Merchant City on Saturday.

The damage caused by fans was deemed “unacceptable” by Glasgow City Council.

Crews worked throughout the night to clear a “significant” amount of trash, debris and broken glass left in the area.

After the game against St Mirren, fans gathered in Trongate where they were seen climbing lampposts and traffic lights and firing paint rockets.

Bus stops and traffic signals were damaged in the area which was part of the route for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, which took place on Sunday morning.

There were 19 arrests for various offenses during the day and Police Scotland said investigations into a number of incidents were ongoing.

Four police officers were injured during the disturbance and received medical treatment.

Supt John Menzies said: “I would like to thank our partner agencies and the wider public for their support.”

“Unfortunately there were riots, including due to the use of pyrotechnics and alcohol-related offenses. We have taken decisive action to prevent these cases from escalating.”

“Violence and attacks on citizens or police officers are completely unacceptable and we continue to work to identify those responsible.”

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken wrote on social media platform X:

“It is depressing and unacceptable that once again a significant number of grown adults are unable to celebrate their team’s success while respecting their fellow citizens and public property.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said after the crowds dispersed in the early hours of Sunday, a “significant” amount of rubbish, debris and broken glass remained in the Glasgow Cross area.

He said: “Following an extraordinary clean-up operation by our teams overnight, the area has now been cleared.

“There was damage to infrastructure such as bus stops and traffic lights, but we do not yet know the extent of the repairs required.

“This type of harm, disruption and anti-social behavior remains unacceptable. It should be possible to celebrate at the same time and show a certain level of consideration for other people in the city.”

Shortly after Saturday’s game, fans gathered around Glasgow Cross and Trongate for an unofficial celebration.

Surrounding roads were closed and there was a large police presence in the area.

The trophy was presented to the team at Celtic Park after they beat St Mirren 3-2.

The league title was already certain before the game, but the home game gives the fans the chance to celebrate their victory.

Celtic declined to comment on Saturday’s events in the city center.

Ahead of the race, Glasgow City Council appealed to football fans to show “respect for the city” during the celebrations.

They said: “In recent years many people have felt uncomfortable and even unsafe when supporters have gathered to celebrate in places like Trongate or George Square.”

“Residents and businesses have had to deal with the consequences of littering, vandalism and other anti-social behavior once the crowds went home.”

In 2023, Celtic fans gathered at Glasgow Cross to celebrate winning the Premiership trophy.