Celtic fans' title party set to clash with Orange Walk in Glasgow's Merchant City
CALL FOR ORDER Celtic fans' title party set to clash with Orange Walk in Glasgow's Merchant City
WORRIED locals called for an Orange Walk to be switched — to avoid potential flashpoints with partying Celtic fans.
Fears were raised after it emerged 2,500 Loyalists will parade through Glasgow city centre at the same time as 60,000 Hoops punters are heading to their team's title bash.
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Last year's title party led to 19 Celtic fans being arrested and four cops getting injured
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Now worried locals have called for next weekend's Orange Walk to be switched
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Dave Scott, director of anti-bigotry charity Nil by Mouth shared his fears
Next Saturday's parade, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, had been arranged before it was confirmed that the Bhoys would be presented with the Premiership trophy at Parkhead that day.
But the route, organised by the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow, is to pass through the Trongate and Merchant City areas, where hordes of Celtic supporters are expected to gather after the game against St Mirren for booze-fuelled celebrations.
And there are mounting concerns over a possible 'inflammatory' stand-off between marchers and fans.
A spokesman for Merchant City Community Council said: 'Residents and businesses around Glasgow Cross are already concerned about serious disruption following the Celtic v St Mirren match.
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"Police are likely to have their hands full just dealing with that.
'The presence of tens of thousands of Celtic and Orange Lodge supporters in the city on the same day is an unwelcome and possibly inflammatory mix.'
He added: 'We call on the city council and the County Grand Lodge to get together to arrange for the parade to take place on a different date.'
Rolling road closures will be put in place by cops after the Orange procession starts next to Glasgow Cathedral at 9.45am.
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It will head down High Street towards Trongate before travelling through Merchant City — a popular spot for Hoops fans.
Almost 20 flute bands will then parade past George Square before heading south and finishing in the city's Kinning Park district.
Thousands of jubilant Celtic fans gather at Parkhead for title party as they let off pyro and await fan return
Hoops diehards, meanwhile, will be in the city earlier than usual to make their way to Parkhead for the 12.30pm kick-off against Saints.
Dave Scott, director of anti-bigotry charity Nil by Mouth, said: 'Given issues with drunkenness and anti-social behaviour in the Merchant City in the last few years linked to religious, cultural or sporting processions, anyone can see why residents are worried.
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'Too often the impact of these events on those who live, work and raise families in the city centre are overlooked. It's further complicated by the volume of loyalist parades which take place.
'And the fact the football event isn't organised formally and shaped by what the fans do on the day.'
Disaster jibe sicko banned by Bhoys
By Harry Williamson and Gordon Tait
A VILE Celtic fan who mocked the Ibrox disaster at last Sunday's Old Firm game has been banned from Parkhead.
Hoops chiefs are understood to have suspended Darren Malloch, 35 from the stadium indefinitely.
A club spokesman said: 'We have investigated the matter. Clearly we condemn such conduct and have taken the appropriate action with regards to this individual.'
Malloch, from Glasgow, was filmed during the 1-1 draw mocking 66 Gers fans who died in a stairway crush after a match against Celtic in 1971.
He held up his mobile phone with the number 66 clearly visible and twice used his fingers to indicate the number six.
We told how Malloch was fired as a project manager with Advance Construction Scotland over the sick gestures.
Mr Scott added: 'The city council, police, march organisers and football club need to be in discussions to ensure this day passes with as little negative impact on residents as possible. I'm baffled why this doesn't seem to have happened already.'
Last year's Trongate title party led to 19 Celtic fans being arrested and four cops getting injured.
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A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'We work closely with a range of partners to address concerns and ensure appropriate policing plans are in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the wider community.'
We told how the force blasted the council and Parkhead chiefs for not setting up an official fanzone for the event.
Celtic and the Orange Order were approached for comment
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