'More talks needed' over future trophy celebrations in Glasgow
More talks are needed with Glasgow football clubs and fans over future trophy celebrations to stop the disruption faced by city centre residents, councillors say.
Locals said streets became a 'no go area for residents, businesses and traffic' on Saturday when thousands of Celtic fans gathered for an unofficial title party.
They said normal life was 'brought to a standstill' as flares were set off and rubbish, including bottles and cans, was left behind.
On Friday, Celtic urged fans not to attend 'unlicensed large public gatherings' – a move that has been welcomed by the council, which also says the city will support clubs or supporters' groups who are 'serious' about holding 'safe' events.
Meetings have previously been held to discuss the issue between the council, Police Scotland and Celtic and Rangers. They came after a similar celebration was held by Celtic fans last year.
Bailie Christy Mearns, Greens, who represents the city centre, said she would be 'pressing for a better forum' to discuss solutions.
Fan zones, financial contributions from football clubs and a more 'proactive' public response to issues like cleansing should be considered, she suggested.
Glasgow Labour leader Rashid Hussain said his party wants to see 'more meaningful engagement with supporter groups and clubs'.
Thousands of Celtic fans descended on the Trongate following the club's 1-1 draw with St Mirren at Celtic Park. After the game, the players were presented with the Premiership trophy.
Some supporters climbed traffic lights and the Mercat Cross while several roads were closed. Bus shelters had been dismantled ahead of the gathering.
Police Scotland confirmed officers had made six arrests around the Trongate.
A council spokesman said: 'What we have seen over recent seasons are the consequences of groups arranging and promoting mass gatherings without making even the most basic arrangements to keep the people attending safe – or taking account of the needs of the local community.
'The council has heard the concerns and the frustrations of the residents and businesses that have felt the greatest impact from the disruption these gatherings have caused – and we have tried to ensure those are also taken on board by football clubs and other stakeholders.
'We have been clear – both this season and in previous years – that if clubs, supporters' groups or others are serious about wanting to hold safe, sustainable celebration events then the city will support them in any way it can.'
Bailie Mearns said: 'Most people who chose to participate in the celebrations did so in a manner entirely reasonable, however the actions of a smaller number was enough to create completely unacceptable conditions for many living in the city centre.
'With such an impact being felt on a relatively regular basis, it's imperative that more is done to bring parties round the table to discuss solutions which many would like to see considered more seriously, such as fan zones, financial contributions from football clubs and more proactive public response in terms of cleansing facilities, for example.
'I'll continue pressing for a better forum to be set up which enables these conversations to be had and for parties to be held to account on the actions being taken.'
Bailie Hussain added: 'Football is a huge part of Glasgow's identity, but celebrations must be safe and respectful for everyone in the city.
'Glasgow Labour calls for more meaningful engagement with supporter groups and clubs. We need a more constructive approach that allows fans to celebrate while preventing disruption to local communities and public services.'
Following Saturday's celebrations, a spokesperson for Merchant City and Trongate Community Council, which represents residents, said city centre streets were 'turned into a 'no go' area'.
They added: 'The event was mainly good humoured but an historic monument, traffic lights and a subway station roof were climbed upon. Flares and firecrackers were set off. Normal life in and around Glasgow Cross and Trongate was brought to a standstill.'
The statement added the community council was grateful Celtic spoke out 'at long last' but fans had 'ignored the belated appeal'.
It continued: 'It is clear Celtic cannot control its supporters when they take to the streets. We repeat our request made two years ago, that should there be another such occasion the club organises – at its cost – its own celebration at Parkhead, the Emirates across the road from the stadium, Glasgow Green or any other venue of its choice.'
Celtic had asked fans to celebrate in 'a safe and responsible manner' as unlicensed large public gatherings don't have 'safety planning, facilities or infrastructure for supporters attending'.
The club added: 'Celtic has been trying for some time to work with city stakeholders to seek to discuss and develop plans, which might allow for a more suitable venue for celebratory events away from Celtic Park.
'We can assure our fans that we will continue to do so, as we strive to develop appropriate arrangements for our supporters in the future, as is the case in other cities.'
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