The Government said it supported Police Scotland “to respond appropriately and protect the public” following the disorder in the Trongate.
Police with riot gear move in to disperse Celtic fans in the Trongate area of Glasgow on Saturday afternoon(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
The SNP Government has condemned the “disgraceful scenes of violence and disorder” in Glasgow yesterday after Celtic won their fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title.
Police have arrested 14 people so far after around 3,000 supporters congregated in and around the Trongate on Saturday afternoon after Martin O’Neill’s side ran out 3-1 winners against Hearts at Parkhead.
Officers had “missiles, including glass bottles” thrown at them while assisting with a medical emergency, police said today.
Police Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said two officers were injured during disorder in the Trongate, while three members of the public were either injured or suffered medical episodes.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The disgraceful scenes of violence and disorder that took place in Glasgow are completely unacceptable and we strongly condemn all abusive and antisocial behaviour. Police Scotland has the powers to deal robustly with football-related disorder and we fully support officers to respond appropriately and protect the public.
“The Scottish Government has worked with partners including football authorities, fans representatives, local authorities and others on what more can be done to tackle this behaviour and recently closed a consultation on whether the law on Football Banning Orders should be updated to help tackle various forms of football-related disorder.”
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John Sweeney is expected to speak more on the subject tomorrow when he meets reporters.
The streets around the Gallowgate and Glasgow Cross were awash with green and white from 2.30pm yesterday as jubilant fans streamed out of the stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Fans were seen climbing on traffic lights and other objects around the Trongate.
Images on social media showed scuffles in the crowd and some clashes with police.
By around 7.30pm, the streets were mostly empty, though large amounts of rubbish had been left behind.
The disorder came after Police Scotland had earlier accused Celtic of failing to put plans in place for official Premiership title celebrations.
The 3–1 victory over the Jambos confirmed the Scottish Premiership title for Martin O’Neill’s Celtic side.
Hearts players were escorted off the pitch as thousands of Celtic fans spilt on to the field following the final goal.
The Edinburgh club later released a statement condemning the “shameful” scenes, saying: “Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing.
“We are investigating this fully and are in dialogue with Police Scotland.
“We will make no further comment at this time other than to say that it is completely unacceptable that our players and staff were put in that situation.”
