Fresh appeal for witnesses after fan fight outside of Hampden Park
A crowd of Rangers and Celtic fans stormed the streets outside of the grounds
Last updated 27th Feb 2023
Police are appealing for witnesses after crowds of Old Firm fans began fighting outside of Hampden Park yesterday.
It happened at around 8:50 AM - despite the Scottish League Cup final's kick-off time being set for 3 PM.
Videos on social media show hundreds of Rangers and Celtic fans fighting and throwing objects at each other.
'It was quite scary'
Elizabeth Cooper lives across from the grounds, and says she had to move her car out of fear it would be damaged.
She said: "They were chanting and shouting, and I was worried that they would get violent and start doing things to my car.
"I still had my pyjamas on, and I thought I'd better go and move it before anything happened.
"I knew it was going to be busy later in the day, but I certainly never anticipated that. It was quite scary.
"I do think it was all pre-planned. I don't think that was anything to do with football."
No arrests could be made at the time and an investigation is now under way into this specific incident.
Detective Inspector Darren Munogee, who is leading the investigation, said: “Prior to the match fans from both clubs were granted pre-arranged access, by the stadium operator, to set up displays – Celtic on Saturday, 25 February, and Rangers on the morning before the match on Sunday, 26 February.
“A proportionate stewarding and policing operation to support and facilitate this was in place.
“Supporters intent on disorder clashed outside the stadium on and around Somerville Drive with police intervention required to prevent escalation and disperse both sets of supporters.
“Officers acted swiftly in challenging circumstances to deal with what amounted to totally unacceptable behaviour. It was fortunate that no one was seriously injured.
Calls for review
“Police Scotland will be writing to the football authorities and clubs with an expectation that they will review the circumstances and take appropriate action moving forward, we are committed to working with them in this regard.
“We are determined to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. We are asking anyone with information that can assist with our enquiries to get in touch.”
Anyone who can help officers with their investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0933 of Saturday, 26 February, 2023, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.