Police Scotland have warned Celtic and Rangers fans ahead of this afternoon’s Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox.
Officers are braced for trouble ahead of this afternoon’s game after rivals caused chaos in Glasgow city centre last month ahead of the League Cup Final at Hampden Park.
In chaotic scenes caught on camera, supporters wearing Santa hats brawled on busy streets in front of shocked Christmas shoppers and families. The trouble was so bad that St Margaret of Scotland Hospice had to cancel a fundraising drive after the charity’s bus stationed on Argyle Street came under fire from warring thugs.
Police Scotland have confirmed that two people have so far been arrested in connection with the Old Firm’s Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden on Sunday, December 15.
Yesterday (January 1), Police Scotland released images of 19 people wanted in connection with the Cup Final chaos. Now, the force warned that officers are prepared should there be any repeat of last month’s trouble before or after today’s match, reports the Record.
Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Phil Davison said: “An appropriate policing plan is in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the community ahead of the fixture between Rangers v Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, in Glasgow on Thursday, 2 January, 2025.
“We continue to work closely with a range of partners ahead of the match, including both clubs. The use of weapons or violence will not be tolerated and officers will take action where necessary to ensure safety. We are are continuing our enquiries into disorder in Glasgow on Sunday, 15 December, 2024, prior to the Celtic v Rangers Cup Final at Hampden.”
A Police Scotland officer was injured after being hit by a missile during the disorder last month, a 26-year-old man was seriously assaulted in the Argyle Street area and rushed to hospital, and officers were called to Howard Street Celtic pub Gallagher’s Bar after a firework was launched inside.
Join Glasgow Live’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
The terrifying incident was caught on camera due to CCTV within the pub caught. The footage showed the firework exploding after landing under a table, It was launched into the boozer after a Celtic fan confronted a Rangers supporter at the door of the pub and threw a punch, stopping the Santa hat-clad Ger from entering.
Clips of the trouble were shared online, showing Rangers ultras storming the premises, smashing windows and attacking the building. The Celtic fan in question then grabbed the live firework and threw it out another entrance. Another clip featured a woman shouting at revellers to “move back” as the firework exploded.
Anyone with information on last month’s disorder or the 19 individuals officers wish to speak to in connection with the trouble, is asked to come forward. You should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 1100 of 15 December, or call crime fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox