Advertisement

Police close roads as Celtic fans gather in Glasgow

BBC
·3 min read

Police have closed roads in Glasgow city centre as large crowds of Celtic fans gathered for an unofficial party to celebrate the team winning the Premiership trophy.

Glasgow city council have urged supporters to "respect the city" during the celebrations, following littering and anti-social behaviour last year.

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

Police Scotland said they will have proportionate policing in place to maintain public safety and minimise disruption in the city.

The league title had been decided before Saturday's game but the home match gives fans the chance to celebrate their win.

Celtic team carry SPFL Premiership trophy
Goalkeeper Joe Hart carried the trophy into Celtic Park ahead of the match against St Mirren [Reuters]

Fans began congregating around Glasgow Cross and the Trongate soon after the match on Saturday.

As the crowd grew in size, fans let off flares and climbed on bus stops and statues.

There was a large police presence in the surrounding streets.

Council staff and the emergency services began preparing for the post-match celebrations on Friday.

'Negative impact'

Writing on the social media site X, Glasgow city council said: "Glasgow is a football city - and proud to be home to some of the biggest teams in the game.

"Fans support their club, whatever the result - and when they win, celebrations are to be savoured. However, when things get out of hand there can be a negative impact on other Glaswegians and for visitors to our city.

"In recent year many people have felt uncomfortable and even unsafe when supporters have congregated in places like Trongate or George Square to celebrate.

"Residents and businesses have had to deal with the aftermath of littering, vandalism and other antisocial behaviour once the crowds have headed home.

"As this season reaches its conclusion over the next two weekends, we want everyone to be able to celebrate safely, responsibly and with consideration for others.

"Whoever you support, whatever the results - enjoy yourself but please respect the city."

Celtic fans waving flags and banners in Glasgow
Flares and smoke have been released in the crowded streets [BBC]
Fans at the Trongate
All roads around the unofficial celebration have been closed [BBC]

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

A spokesperson for the council said staff had to work "through the night" to clean up litter and repair broken street signs which had resulted in last minute road closures.

Three people were seriously assaulted during the celebrations with a 31-year-old man being taken to hospital in serious condition.

There were 10 arrests and reports of widespread anti-social behaviour.

Police Scotland warned Glasgow city centre is likely to be busier on Saturday as fans gather in the city to celebrate Celtic's title win.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said:

"We're working closely with partners and will have a proportionate policing plan in place to maintain public safety and minimise disruption to the community."

Police vans in Trongate area of Glasgow
Police Scotland say they are working to minimise disruption in the area [BBC]

'We've not done well this season...'

Tony Roper outside Celtic Park
The much loved Scottish comedian couldn't resist making a joke among the celebrations at Celtic Park today [BBC]

Scottish actor and Celtic fan Tony Roper spoke to BBC Scotland as he was going into the stadium.

Asked if he was looking forward to the day, Mr Roper said: "I'm not looking forward to it all, I'm very unhappy.

"We've not done well this season, just as everybody predicted. Brendan's been a flop, the team lost too many goals...wait a minute, what am I talking about?

"We've won it, we've won the league. I'm absolutely delighted, I can't be any happier."