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Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic Trongate title party arrest numbers rise to 20 people after fan chaos
Officers have made more arrests after Celtic fans gathered in Glasgow city centre to celebrate their club's league success. A total of 20 people have been arrested after Celtic fans celebrated their team lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy on Saturday. Thousands of Hoops supporters descended on Glasgow's Merchant City and Trongate on Saturday for celebrations after Brendan Rodgers' side were presented with the trophy following a 1-1 draw with St Mirren. Police Scotland confirmed that 20 people have now been arrested in relation to disorder caused in the Glasgow Cross and Trongate areas. Alongside this, 17 people have been charged and four have been reported in connection with offences, including being in possession of pyrotechnics or offensive weapons, assault and public order. The force confirmed that enquiries remain ongoing. The Green Brigade X account North Curve Celtic encouraged fans to attend, posting a graphic on social media: " Trongate Title Party. Saturday 17 May. After Celtic v St. Mirren. Fly the flag." Last year, 19 people were arrested and four officers injured as fans set off flares and fireworks, climbed onto traffic lights and bus stops, and vandalised shop fronts and street furniture. On Sunday, we reported that a significant amount of alcohol and pyrotechnics were also pro-actively seized by officers before, during and after the match and from people at the gathering. Chief Superintendent Emma Croft, Divisional Commander, 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. 'A significant majority of those who congregated were highly intoxicated, with evidence of drug misuse requiring medical intervention. A number of people were admitted to local hospitals as a consequence. 'There were numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour including the reckless discharge of pyrotechnics. Several people scaled the Mercat Tower and other street furniture requiring assistance. 'Officers took decisive action to clear the area and prevent further disorder when it was safe to do so. Thankfully there were no reports of injuries to officers. 'We will continue to work with partners to achieve a safer and less disruptive way for fans to celebrate safely.' The arrests came after thousands of fans flooded to the Trongate area despite calls from the club, council and police to stay away on Friday. Videos online showed fights breaking out in the gathering crowds as fans were spotted scaling traffic lights and the famous Mercat Cross, as well as Merchant City signs in the area. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney condemned the actions. He said: "I am very concerned by what I saw over the weekend. I understand football supporters want to celebrate the performance of their team. I don't doubt that, or say I don't understand it. Of course I understand it. "But it shouldn't be at expense of other people. Whether its a supporter, it appears, from the Aberdeen end throwing a chair that injures an Aberdeen player, a quite serious injury from what I can see. "Nor the disruption in the centre of Glasgow, where the city was damaged and disrupted. Lives were disrupted, and there's a lot of cleaning up that's got to fall on the City Council. "I'm all for people celebrating, I quite understand it, but not at the expense of others." Roads were closed and bus shelters taken down in preparation for the huge event, which left the area strewn in rubbish. A spokesperson for Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) said: 'Once more, streets in the centre of Glasgow were taken over by thousands and thousands of Celtic supporters and turned into a No Go area for residents, businesses, and traffic, including emergency services and public transport. '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. 'Several hundred police did their duty at great cost to the public purse. Glasgow City Council cleansing staff faced the massive task of clearing up the mess - yet another expense to taxpayers. 'At the 11th hour, Celtic Football Club issued a statement the previous day asking their fans not to congregate en masse, noting it would be an unauthorised gathering. 'While we are grateful that, at long last, the Club spoke out, at least 15,000 fans ignored the belated appeal. '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. 'This cannot be allowed to happen for a fourth successive year. We shall be reviewing Saturday's events with Glasgow City Council, the police and our Scottish Parliamentary representatives, and will continue to press for urgent actions by all parties involved.' A heated altercation also unfolded in George Square in the city centre on Saturday morning as Hoops fans heading to Celtic Park collided with the Orange Order's VE Day 80th anniversary parade. Footage emerged showing objects being thrown between the crowds. A number of cans and bottles were seen flying through the air after being lobbed in the direction of the Celtic fans. 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Glasgow Times
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
What you need to know about Celtic's title party in Glasgow
Hoops Ultras announced they will be holding a 'title party' in the city's Trongate area, near the city centre, on Saturday, May 17. The North Curve said the bash will take place following the club's Scottish Premiership clash against St Mirren at Celtic Park. Image of a previous Celtic title party (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Celtic supporters group confirms plans for Glasgow title party Trongate Title Party Saturday 17 May After Celtic v St. Mirren — North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) May 12, 2025 Here's everything you need to know about the Hoops title party: Where and when is it happening: Celtic supporters are expected to gather in the Trongate/Merchant City areas on Saturday, May 17, to celebrate the club's Scottish Premiership title victory. What have the police said ahead of the title celebration? (Image: Newsquest) Ahead of the weekend, Police Scotland's Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said the force is 'aware of concerns' regarding events in the city. On top of the unofficial Celtic title party, thousands of people are expected to join an Orange Order march on Saturday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Glasgow. In a statement, the top cop revealed officers are working with their partners, including Glasgow City Council, to minimise disruption to the wider community. A 'proportionate policing plan', which will focus on public safety, has been put in place for the day. The Assistant Chief Constable has also urged people to 'not gather in large groups' and be 'respectful'. The force is also warning that Glasgow city centre will be 'much busier than normal' due to the events on Saturday. READ MORE: Police warning ahead of Celtic title party and Orange Walk in Glasgow Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: "We are aware of concerns regarding events in Glasgow on Saturday, May 17, with large crowds expected to gather. 'I'd like to reassure the public we are working closely with our partners at Glasgow City Council to minimise disruption to the wider community, and a proportionate policing plan is in place, with a focus on public safety. 'We respect the right to public assembly, however, it is everyone's responsibility to ensure their behaviour does not negatively impact businesses or those looking to enjoy our city. "Please do not gather in large groups, and be respectful of those around you. 'If you are planning to visit Glasgow City Centre on Saturday, it will be much busier than normal. "There is also likely to be increased usage of public transport, so make travel arrangements in advance.' (Image: Newsquest) What have the police previously said ahead of the title bash? Police chiefs previously hit out at Celtic and council bosses for 'failing to organise a title party fan zone'. Officers claimed they face tackling more mayhem in the city centre on Saturday as thousands of Hoops fans will flock to the unofficial event. READ MORE: Glasgow cops hit out over no plans for football celebrations Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: 'Our preference was for an organised event or fanzone which would cause far less disruption, reduce levels of antisocial behaviour and improve public safety. 'Police Scotland requested this be considered with our partners, including Celtic FC and Glasgow City Council, as part of planning discussions. 'Unfortunately, this option wasn't progressed. "We're now working on the assumption that supporters will gather in the Trongate area.' (Image: Newsquest) Chief Constable Sutherland added: 'We'll do all we can to deal with anti-social behaviour. "I'd urge supporters not to gather in large numbers and to respect the residents, businesses and wider public using the city centre.' However, Glasgow City Council claimed that police chiefs have never asked the local authority to organise an event. A council spokesperson said: 'We have been clear, this season and in previous years, that we would support any effort made by our football clubs to organise safe, sustainable celebration events for their supporters. 'We know from our discussions that an organised event is also the strong preference of Police Scotland. However, there has been no request from them for the council to organise or host such an event.' What have Glasgow City Council said ahead of the celebration? Ahead of the event, a council spokesperson said: 'We want supporters of every team in Glasgow to be able to celebrate their successes, but ask fans – including those visiting the city – to please avoid disruptive mass gatherings at Merchant City/Trongate and other public places. "These events and others like them have consistently led to disorder, causing significant disruption for the local community and businesses. "Damage to buildings and infrastructure robs the public purse of hundreds of thousands of pounds that would otherwise be spent on the essential services we all rely on. "Enjoy trophy day, but respect the city and your neighbours. "Do not attend unsafe and disruptive gatherings in public places like Merchant City/Trongate." What happened following last year's Hoops fans' unofficial title party? In 2024, the local authority was forced to fork out a whopping £73,032 to repair Mercat Cross after the unofficial Celtic title party took place. At the event, attendees were pictured climbing buildings, bus shelters, and traffic lights. Some were also spotted setting off pyrotechnics and drinking. After crowds left the event in the Merchant City area, stickers, graffiti, flags, and litter were left behind. The entire cost of the clean-up mission was expected to amount to over £100,000. (Image: Newsquest) What has happened in the lead-up to the event this year? Fans left excluded from talks about the Celtic title party gatherings: Ahead of the title bash, we reported how no meetings have taken place between the council and any Celtic fan groups. Talks between the council, officials from Celtic and Rangers, and Police Scotland were held following last year's gathering. READ MORE: Fans excluded from talks about Celtic title party gatherings The Glasgow Times discovered that there was a meeting between the council, Police Scotland, and Celtic Football Club at Celtic Park in February 2025. But there have been no official meetings with anyone representing supporters. The top-level meeting was organised by MSP, Kaukab Stewart. It saw Celtic, Rangers, Police Scotland, Merchant City and Trongate Community Council, and the Scottish Government gather, however, there were no fan reps in attendance. Business owner hits out at silence over the Celtic title bash: Cristoforo Corvi (Image: Newsquest) A business owner previously told the Glasgow Times that Celtic FC has a 'responsibility' to speak out on fans gathering for the unofficial event. Cristoforo Corvi, 60, who owns Guido's Coronation Restaurant on Gallowgate, said it is 'bizarre' that 'nobody seems to be talking about it' despite knowing loads of supporters will gather in the Trongate on Saturday. He said: 'I know it's happening, everybody knows, I don't understand why the club, the local authorities, the police, supporters' clubs don't say 'right this is going to happen, how can we make it as peaceful as possible.' Cristoforo added: 'I believe the club have got a responsibility, but they don't ever speak out, which I find bizarre." (Image: Wattie Cheung) READ THE FULL STORY HERE. Glasgow residents asked Celtic Football Club to urge fans against any 'disruption': READ MORE: Glasgow residents ask Celtic to urge fans against 'disruption' Locals living in the city centre called on Celtic's top boss to urge the club's supporters not to repeat 'disgraceful anti-social behaviour' at the event this year. In April, Calton and Merchant City, and Trongate community councils wrote to Hoops CEO Michael Nicholson, saying while they understand fans want to celebrate the occasion, at the end of the last two football seasons, they have "created havoc for people, businesses and visitors in and around Glasgow Cross".
The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Dismayed Trongate residents braced for 'nightmare' Celtic title party
'It has always been good-natured,' agreed the proprietor of a café on the High Street in the shadow of the Toolbooth Steeple. 'Everybody is in great spirits. They just want to enjoy themselves and have a fun time. We haven't had any bother as such and I'm sure it will be the same this time out. I hope so anyway.' But while there may not be dread as such at the prospect of thousands, of tens of thousands even, of the Scottish champions' elated supporters suddenly arriving en masse there is certainly disappointment, bitter disappointment, that the 'Trongate Title Party' is being allowed to go ahead once again by the authorities. Indeed, there was outright disgust among those I spoke to in that Celtic, Glasgow City Council, Holyrood and Police Scotland have not, either individually or collectively, come up with a potential alternative to an impromptu annual gathering which, despite their being no malicious intent among those who turn up, costs taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds, causes untold disruption and distress and invariably results in multiple arrests and injuries. Read more: All of the stakeholders - councillors, tourism professionals, politicians, police representatives and club officials - were interviewed for the Policing the Parties series of articles which this newspaper ran in the wake of the large-scale disorder 12 months ago and they all agreed that an official fanzone at Glasgow Green would be a possible solution. That followed Manchester City staging a slick and impressive event to mark their fourth consecutive English title triumph. Manager Pep Guardiola and his players boarded an open top bus at a ticketed viewing area at the National Football Museum at Cathedral Gardens and spent over an hour travelling through Exchange Square and Deansgate to another viewing area at the Hilton Hotel. The entire occasion was hosted by presenters Natalie Pike and FG and there were giant screens, stage shows, interviews, musical performances and activities along the two mile route. But nothing continues to happen up in Glasgow. (Image: Ewan Bootman - SNS Group) The Trongate Title Party will go ahead once Celtic captain Callum McGregor has been presented with the Premiership trophy following the final league game against St Mirren at Parkhead and he and his team mates have done the traditional lap of honour. Those who have been through it all before are bracing themselves for the worst. Many business owners are now being forced to close on what is the busiest and most profitable day of the week. 'You couldn't possibly open,' said one shopkeeper. 'You couldn't even get in or out the door. It is just bedlam. When it first started we didn't have a clue what was about to happen. Fans would come in and expect to be able to use our toilet, would demand access to it. But we know what to expect now and just shut. 'The police park their vans around the corner and hide. They don't stop them drinking. They have all got big cases of lager. But there is nowhere for them to go to the toilet so they just pee wherever they can. I don't know how they are allowed to get away with it. I suppose it is down to numbers. There are just so many of them that it must be impossible to control. It isn't safe. 'When there is an Orange Walk around here the police quite openly take alcohol off people who are drinking and pour it down the drain. The walks are pretty well policed I would say. But when all the Celtic fans come down here to celebrate the police are nowhere to be seen. I don't understand it.' Read more: Another retailer – who, like so many of those I chatted to, wanted to remain anonymous because of the online abuse which those who have spoken on the record have received in recent days - is bewildered that no alternative arrangements have been put in place in an attempt to accommodate the revellers in the past year. 'I don't know why they don't do something major at Celtic Park or at Glasgow Green,' she said. 'They could have the players there, a band, music, provide toilets, have snack bars, sell drink, turn it into a money-making event. I can't believe they haven't set up some kind of official party for them to go to after everything that has happened. "Saturday is obviously our busiest day, but we just couldn't open. It isn't safe. They would all just come in and cause mayhem. They are all absolutely steamin'. So we have closed for the last couple of years. But they still leave their stickers on our windows which we can't get off. It is a nightmare. We haven't had any serious damage, but we are waiting for it to happen.' Steven Turner, the owner of The Outlier 'brunch restaurant' on London Road, is quite content, possibly because he is a Celtic supporter himself, to speak on the record about what transpires on trophy presentation day in the area. He is expecting another fraught, turbulent afternoon and evening. (Image: Ewan Bootman - SNS Group) 'We find that every time there is a celebration, or even a match for that matter, which clashes with our opening hours time-wise we get cancellations, like 70 to 80 per cent cancellations,' he said. 'It definitely kills your trade. 'When there are trophy celebrations, we actually don't offer a dinner service, just for the safety of customers. It can be chaos. Last year, we had a window attacked, a window smashed. You had a lot of people cutting about with flares. There were people down flat closes urinating as well. You get steaming drunk people wanting to come in to use your toilets while customers are trying to catch up with family and friends. 'It's ridiculous how poorly it's managed. I do understand the lack of policing to an extent. They don't have a budget to tackle it. If they put enough force out to tackle people drinking in the street and people with flares, they'd probably be faced with a significant amount of opposition and it wouldn't be safe for them. 'But there's no toilet provisions, there's no bin provisions. They could very easily cordon off streets like they do for the 10K or the half marathon. They could actually guide them to Glasgow Green. But I suppose I understand it is just down to lack of resources. They have got no money for it. I just don't see how they could stop it. Personally, I think the club should maybe be providing the space.'
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Celtic issue Trongate title party statement as supporters urged not to attend
Celtic supporters have been urged not to attend the Trongate title party in Glasgow tomorrow in a club statement. Officials at the Parkhead club have encouraged supporters to celebrate the Scottish Premiership title party at Celtic Park and not descend on Glasgow for "unlicensed large public gatherings". The Green Brigade previously announced a Trongate Title Party following the final league match against St Mirren on Saturday, May 17. In recent years, thousands of supporters have gathered in the city centre to celebrate the league triumph, but Celtic have requested that supporters do not continue the trend this year. The club have, though, confirmed talks have been held to try and agree a suitable venue for title celebrations away from Celtic Park in the city centre in the future. A Celtic statement released on Friday read: "Congratulations on being a Champion again and thank you for the fantastic support you have given the Club throughout the season. "We want everyone to enjoy these very special moments and we look forward to welcoming our fans to Celtic Park on Saturday for another great Trophy Day celebration. "Outside of Celtic Park, while we want to celebrate in style, we want to do so mindful of others and in a safe and responsible manner. "The Club has engaged in recent months with local community and residents' groups, many of which include Celtic supporters, and it is clear that large gatherings in public spaces, even when positive and celebratory, can cause issues for those living and working in these areas. Read more: It's a nightmare, it's not safe: Trongate residents braced for Celtic title party "While previous celebrations involving Celtic fans have been well intentioned, unfortunately, as local community stakeholders have made clear in recent weeks, some of these have led to severe congestion and difficulties for emergency services, residents and local businesses. "Further, without the planning, facilities and infrastructure of an organised, licensed event, the number of supporters present at previous gatherings has become so great that the safety of fans has also become an issue of real concern. "The Club encourages supporters to follow the advice issued recently by local community stakeholders in this regard. "For all of these reasons, the Club would encourage supporters not to attend unlicensed large public gatherings, which do not have safety planning, facilities or infrastructure for supporters attending. "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. "As we enjoy our fourth successive Premiership Title, let's celebrate safely and responsibly. "Everyone at Celtic thanks you sincerely for your continued support."
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic fans urged not to attend 'disruptive' Trongate title party by council
Thousands of Celtic fans are set to gather in the city's Merchant City and Trongate to celebrate lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy. Glasgow City Council has urged Celtic fans not to attend the Green Brigade's "disruptive" Trongate title party - which is set to clash with an Orange Walk parade. Thousands of Hoops supporters are expected to descend on Glasgow's Merchant City and Trongate on Saturday for celebrations after Brendan Rodgers' side are presented with the Scottish Premiership trophy against St Mirren. The Green Brigade X account North Curve Celtic encouraged fans to attend, posting a graphic on social media: " Trongate Title Party. Saturday 17 May. After Celtic v St. Mirren. Fly the flag." Last year, 19 people were arrested and four officers injured as punters set off flares and fireworks, climbed onto traffic lights and bus stops, and vandalised shop fronts and street furniture. Glasgow City Council has now issued a statement pleading with fans not to attend. It said: "We want supporters of every team in Glasgow to be able to celebrate their successes but ask fans – including those visiting the city – to please avoid disruptive mass gatherings at Merchant City/Trongate and other public places. "These events and others like them have consistently led to disorder – causing significant disruption for the local community and businesses. " Damage to buildings and infrastructure robs the public purse of hundreds of thousands of pounds that would otherwise be spent on the essential services we all rely on. "Enjoy trophy day, but respect the city and your neighbours. Do not attend unsafe and disruptive gatherings in public places like Merchant City/Trongate." This comes following fears of the celebrations of partying fans clashing with around 2,500 members of the Orange Order who are set to parade through the streets at around the same time. The Orange Walk was arranged before the date of Celts ' trophy lift had been finalised to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The celebrations have become a tradition for title-celebrating Celtic fans ever since the team's Treble Treble bus parade was cancelled due to thousands of fans blocking its path in the Gallowgate in 2019. Concern regarding trouble erupting has been raised - with supporters expected to be celebrating around 500 yards away from the parade route. A spokesperson 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. " 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. "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." 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.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
