NafisaTwo police officers have been left seriously injured following disorder in Glasgow during Celtic title celebrations.
Around 3,000 supporters gathered in the Trongate area following the club’s 3-1 Scottish Premiership win over Hearts on Saturday afternoon. Riot police were deployed after projectiles – including glass bottles – were thrown towards officers.
Some officers were targeted while they were assisting with a medical emergency. The force has since confirmed that of the two injured officers, one suffered a “significant” facial injury during the incident while the other was left badly bruised.
A total of 14 arrests have since been carried out – ten of which were linked to Celtic fans assembling in the Trongate area after the match, while four were at the stadium itself. Three members of the public required hospital care.
Police say extensive work remains ongoing in relation to the disorder. Officers will be examining CCTV and taking statements to identify those responsible.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “The large majority of people at the Trongate yesterday were in a celebratory mood and simply wanted to support the victory of their team. However, we once again saw significant disorder and anti-social behaviour when police responded to a medical emergency within the crowd.
“A man was found unresponsive after becoming unwell and continues to receive treatment in hospital. While dealing with this, our officers came under sustained attack from missiles and bottles, which resulted in two of them being seriously injured.
“I cannot condemn this behaviour strongly enough. It is completely unacceptable. Our officers must be kept safe when doing their job. They acted bravely, courageously and with the highest degree of professionalism throughout the incident.
“They took decisive action, which was entirely appropriate, to disperse those intent on violence and disorder, and make arrests. The minority of individuals involved will face the most robust action from Police Scotland and partners as we move forward. If you were involved in criminality, expect us to be knocking at your door.
“Once again, Police Scotland has been left carrying the responsibility and accountability for supporters away from the stadium at the Trongate. We have strong and positive relationships with Celtic Football Club and Glasgow City Council on a day-to-day basis to keep people safe, but on this particular issue more must be done.
“Celtic FC and football authorities, working with local authorities and Police Scotland, must take greater responsibility. This cannot happen again at any future celebrations.”
Police Scotland said it is currently liaising with Heart of Midlothian FC to establish if any of their players were assaulted after fans stormed the pitch at Celtic Park. The circumstances of the incident are being reviewed.
Four further arrests were also made in the area surrounding Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh in connection with breach of the peace, assault and robbery offences. A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has since been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.
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