Officer injured in Rangers and Celtic football chaos in Glasgow city centre

Christmas shoppers could be seen screaming and taking shelter inside stores.

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 16th Dec 2024

An officer has been injured during the football chaos between Celtic and Rangers fans in the centre of Glasgow yesterday before the Cup Final match at Hampden.

Disruption broke out between fans around 12.25pm and missiles started being thrown at police.

Violence and disorder

Police Scotland says it also received reports of windows being smashed at a premises on Howard Street and it is looking to trace those responsible.

Around 12.55pm, officers received a report of a 26-year-old man having been seriously assaulted in the Argyle Street area. He was taken to hospital for treatment and enquiries are ongoing.

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

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

"Our enquiries are ongoing to identify those who were involved and we will take appropriate action against them. I urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to contact us.

"I want to make it clear that the use of weapons and violence will not be tolerated and retrospective enquiries are being carried out.

"We are following a number of lines of investigation, including reviewing CCTV and footage on social media."

Tougher regulatory powers to police fans

The First Minister, John Swinney, is defending the way the force handled the out-of-control mob despite videos showing Christmas shoppers screaming and taking shelter in stores.

Masked gangs could also be seen chasing police through the streets.

John Swinney said: "The individuals who perpetrated that violence have to be held to account and the clubs have a responsibility to identify that behaviour from their fans and act accordingly.

"The police had the situation across the whole day entirely under control, but if they judge during the day then they have to strengthen the regulatory environment then the law provides for this."

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