Officers to use stop and search powers ahead of Old Firm game

The Section 60 order is going to be in place from 8am until 11.59pm.

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 20 hours ago

Fans heading to the Old Firm game on Sunday could be stopped by police for a random search in Glasgow.

Celtic and Rangers play at Celtic Park but officers will have the powers across most of the city.

The Section 60 order is going to be in place from 8am until 11.59pm.

Safety first

It means officers can stop anyone on foot or in a vehicle and can take away anything they think could be used to hide someone’s identity.

Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, who is leading the policing operation, said:

"Implementation of the Section 60 legislation is only undertaken when there is sufficient risk of serious disorder or violence.

"Unfortunately, this fixture attracts a minority of people who seem intent on using the game as an excuse for violence and the use of weapons. The disorder that took place before the fixture in December 2024 was completely unacceptable and we are still carrying out extensive investigations to identify those who were involved, with a number of people arrested.

"Attacks on genuine supporters, the public who can get innocently caught up in disorder, police officers or emergency workers who are there to help and protect will not be tolerated."

Where could people be stopped

Police will have the ability to stop fans whether they are on foot or in a vehicle on Sunday.

"Neither will the possession of offensive weapons or dangerous instruments, including pyrotechnics, or any attempt to evade justice by concealing one’s identity."

It follows scenes of chaos in violence in December after an Old Firm game when officers chased masked supporters down Argyle Street leaving shoppers running for cover.

Missiles were thrown leaving an officer injured.

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

Stevie added: "Our officers will take all necessary action to ensure public safety and will be actively patrolling key areas to ensure that it is maintained.

"The number of away supporters attending this fixture is significantly more than over recent years.

"We want the vast majority of football fans who just want to enjoy the game to do just that without the fear of disorder.

"That’s also the same for the general public in the city centre and its environs. I would also encourage fans to be aware of changes to the layout of the stadium entrances and arrive in good time."

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