UGLY CLASHES BETWEEN POLICE AND RANGERS FANS AFTER CUP FINAL (UPDATED)

Sunday, 15 December, 2024.

By Democrat reporter

Police have dealt with a number of incidents of disorder and violence in Glasgow city centre following the Celtic v Rangers Premier Cup Final at Hampden Park today.

And the number of people charged with domestic abuse looks like to rise as it has done at previous meetings between these two football clubs.

Celtic won the closely fought match which went to extra time and then penalty kicks, one of which was saved by the Celtic goalkeeper Schmeikel to take the silverware back to Parkhead.

It means Celtic have now won most trophies in the history of Scottish football, although they are just one ahead of Rangers.

Missiles were thrown at police in Argyle Street and officers have received reports of windows being smashed at a premises in Howard Street, off St Enoch Square.

As a result of this incident, a Superintendent of Police Scotland, has authorised officers to use powers available under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public order Act of 1994.

This allows officers to stop and search people where this is appropriate and necessary, either in vehicles or on foot.

Rangers v Celtic Santa run

Rangers supporters clash with police in Gordon Street, Glasgow, this afternoon.

This power, which police said, is only authorised when absolutely necessary, also allows officers to require the removal of any item the officer believes is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing their identity.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The Section 60 stop and search power remains in force in various areas including the city centre and parts of the South Side, East End and into South Lanarkshire until 9pm on Sunday, 15 December, 2024.

“It will be used responsibly and when justified to help prevent disorder and serious violence.”

Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan said: “We have dealt with a number of incidents in Glasgow city centre today involving individuals engaging in disorder and violence across the city.

“Officers have had to act swiftly and robustly to ensure public safety and reduce disorder.

“The use of weapons or violence will not be tolerated and officers will take action where necessary to ensure safety. It impacts other members of the public and the vast majority of football supporters who want to enjoy the cup final event safely.

“Officers will remain in the city as our operation continues and anyone with any concerns can approach them.”

It is being reported that police say missiles were thrown at them and windows smashed as large groups engaged in violence and disorder in Glasgow city centre.

The scenes of disorder came ahead of the match.

Footages on social media shows large groups of fans charging down Argyle Street ahead of kick-off, setting off flares near fearful shoppers.

Police officers can be seen using batons on running fans – some of whom were wearing Santa hats and face coverings.

The force said missiles had been thrown and windows smashed. It said officers had been authorised to use stop and search powers, including removing items being used to conceal identity.

The powers will remain in place until 21:00 in areas including the city centre and parts of the south side, east end and into South Lanarkshire.

Shoppers feared for safety

Many trains had been cancelled ahead of the 15:30 kick-off with ScotRail warning of a driver shortage.

Large groups of fans could be seen walking through the city centre from about 13:00, escorted by police.

However violence soon erupted, with one group charging down Argyle Street towards the Trongate. Shoppers trying to leave can be seen screaming and running back indoors to avoid the rush.

One football fan falls to the group while others run around him shortly before a flare is set off near a shop doorway.

A shopper told BBC News they were forced to take refuge in a nearby shop “for their own safety”.

An officer can then be seen using his baton on a number of fans passing by. On Monday, it was reported that a police officer was injured after being hit by a missile.

Celtic and Rangers fans clashed before the League Cup final — **Rangers fans clashed with police before the League Cup final.**

The Force have confirmed that one officer was injured during the clash. Police also raced to Gallagher’s bar in Howard Street around 12.30pm after fireworks were lobbed inside the Celtic pub.

Around 12.55pm a 26-year-old man was seriously assaulted in the Argyle Street area. He was rushed to hospital for treatment, with police also launching a probe into the attack.

Police have confirmed that just two arrests were made during the match. A 41-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with a drugs offence.

Police also hand-cuffed a 30-year-old man inside the ground for possession of a pyrotechnic. Both men will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.