Council condemns "unacceptable" damage after Celtic celebrations
Police say 19 people were arrested during the gathering in Merchant City
Last updated 19th May 2024
Council crews worked overnight to clear up Trongate after celebrations by Celtic fans following their league title win.
Police arrested 19 people during the impromptu gathering, which saw 25,000 fans cram into Glasgow Cross following the Parkhead side’s game against St Mirren yesterday.
A council spokesperson credited the “exceptional clean-up effort” by teams to clear the area in time for the Cancer Research UK Race for Life which set off from Glasgow Green at 10am.
They continued: “There has been damage to infrastructure such as bus stops and traffic signals, but we do not yet know the full extent of what repairs will be necessary.
“This kind of damage, disruption and antisocial behaviour remains unacceptable.
“It should be possible to celebrate and show a basic level of consideration for others in the city at the same time.”
Four officers were injured during the gathering and received medical attention.
Superintendent John Menzies said: "I would like to thank our partner agencies and the wider public for their support.
"Unfortunately, we experienced some disorder including the use of pyrotechnics and alcohol-related offences. We took robust action to prevent these escalating.
"Violence and assaults on members of the public or police officers is completely unacceptable and we continue to work to identify those responsible."
Council leader Susan Aitken thanked clean-up crews in a post to X, formerly Twitter, adding: “it's depressing & unacceptable that yet again a significant number of grown adults are unable to celebrate their team's success while also respecting fellow citizens & public property."
Supporters perched on top of traffic lights and bus stops, with one shelter roof being damaged after fans clambered on to it.
With the Scottish Cup final taking place next weekend at Hampden Park in the city between the Old Firm clubs, the council is understood to be liaising with clubs about what can be done to safely celebrate a win.
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