Nine arrested after 'disruptive' Celtic title celebrations
Police made nine arrests as thousands of Celtic fans attended an unofficial street "title party" after the club lifted the Scottish Premiership trophy. Officers also confirmed 15 people were charged in connection with offences including being in possession of pyrotechnics or offensive weapons, assault and public order.Supporters gathered in the Glasgow Cross and Trongate areas despite a plea by Celtic for people not to attend due to safety fears and concerns from local residents.Chief Supt Emma Croft said a "significant majority" of fans were "highly intoxicated" and some were hospitalised for suspected drug misuse.
Police Scotland said six fixed penalty notices and four recorded police warnings were also issued after the 1-1 draw against St Mirren.The club won its 55th league title last month but the trophy presentation traditionally takes place on the final day of the season.The celebrations appeared to be smaller in scale than the 2024 event, which led to 19 arrests and left four officers injured.Of the arrests on Saturday, three were made at the match - which kicked off at 12:30 - and six were made in the city centre.Around 500 police officers were on duty after previous events attracted anti-social behaviour, damage and disruption to the local area.The gatherings were not supported by the force or Glasgow City Council, which said similar previous unofficial events "robbed the public purse" and described them as "disruptive".The celebrations came on the same day a major Orange walk took place in the city, although it passed off without incident in the morning.
Chief Supt Emma Croft, divisional commander of Greater Glasgow Division, said: "While some fans respected the appeal from police and partners to act responsibly, thousands didn't and descended on Glasgow Cross causing significant disruption to the city."This mass assembly of people also had an impact on some local businesses who took the decision to close early or completely as a consequence."Bus shelters in the area were dismantled ahead of the match to prevent fans climbing on the roofs but many scaled other structures, including signs and traffic lights.Smoke bombs were also let off as a police helicopter monitored the crowds from the air.Chief Supt Croft said: "There were numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour including the reckless discharge of pyrotechnics. "Several people scaled the Mercat Tower and other street furniture."Officers took decisive action to clear the area and prevent further disorder when it was safe to do so."Chief Supt Croft said the force would continue to work with partners to achieve "a safer and less disruptive way for fans to celebrate safely".
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