Celtic trongate title party arrest numbers rise to 20 people after fan chaos

OFFICERS HAVE MADE MORE ARRESTS AFTER CELTIC FANS GATHERED IN GLASGOW CITY CENTRE TO CELEBRATE THEIR CLUB'S LEAGUE SUCCESS. 16:44, 20 May 2025 A total of 20 people have been arrested

after Celtic fans celebrated their team lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy on Saturday. Thousands of Hoops supporters descended on Glasgow's Merchant City and Trongate on Saturday

for celebrations after Brendan Rodgers' side were presented with the trophy following a 1-1 draw with St Mirren. Police Scotland confirmed that 20 people have now been arrested in

relation to disorder caused in the Glasgow Cross and Trongate areas. Alongside this, 17 people have been charged and four have been reported in connection with offences, including being in

possession of pyrotechnics or offensive weapons, assault and public order. The force confirmed that enquiries remain ongoing. Article continues below The Green Brigade X account North Curve

Celtic encouraged fans to attend, posting a graphic on social media: "Trongate Title Party. Saturday 17 May. After Celtic v St. Mirren. Fly the flag." Last year, 19 people were

arrested and four officers injured as fans set off flares and fireworks, climbed onto traffic lights and bus stops, and vandalised shop fronts and street furniture. On Sunday, we reported

that a significant amount of alcohol and pyrotechnics were also pro-actively seized by officers before, during and after the match and from people at the gathering. Chief Superintendent Emma

Croft, Divisional Commander, Greater Glasgow Division, said: “While some fans respected the appeal from police and partners to act responsibly, thousands didn’t and descended on Glasgow

Cross causing significant disruption to the city. “This mass assembly of people also had an impact on some local businesses who took the decision to close early or completely as a

consequence. “A significant majority of those who congregated were highly intoxicated, with evidence of drug misuse requiring medical intervention. A number of people were admitted to local

hospitals as a consequence. “There were numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour including the reckless discharge of pyrotechnics. Several people scaled the Mercat Tower and other street

furniture requiring assistance. “Officers took decisive action to clear the area and prevent further disorder when it was safe to do so. Thankfully there were no reports of injuries to

officers. “We will continue to work with partners to achieve a safer and less disruptive way for fans to celebrate safely.” The arrests came after thousands of fans flooded to the Trongate

area despite calls from the club, council and police to stay away on Friday. Videos online showed fights breaking out in the gathering crowds as fans were spotted scaling traffic lights and

the famous Mercat Cross, as well as Merchant City signs in the area. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney condemned the actions. He said: "I am very concerned by what I saw over

the weekend. I understand football supporters want to celebrate the performance of their team. I don't doubt that, or say I don't understand it. Of course I understand it.

"But it shouldn't be at expense of other people. Whether its a supporter, it appears, from the Aberdeen end throwing a chair that injures an Aberdeen player, a quite serious injury

from what I can see. "Nor the disruption in the centre of Glasgow, where the city was damaged and disrupted. Lives were disrupted, and there's a lot of cleaning up that's got

to fall on the City Council. "I'm all for people celebrating, I quite understand it, but not at the expense of others." Roads were closed and bus shelters taken down in

preparation for the huge event, which left the area strewn in rubbish. A spokesperson for Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) said: “Once more, streets in the centre of

Glasgow were taken over by thousands and thousands of Celtic supporters and turned into a No Go area for residents, businesses, and traffic, including emergency services and public

transport. “An historic monument, traffic lights and a subway station roof were climbed upon. Flares and firecrackers were set off. Normal life in and around Glasgow Cross and Trongate was

brought to a standstill. “Several hundred police did their duty at great cost to the public purse. Glasgow City Council cleansing staff faced the massive task of clearing up the mess - yet

another expense to taxpayers. “At the 11th hour, Celtic Football Club issued a statement the previous day asking their fans not to congregate en masse, noting it would be an unauthorised

gathering. “While we are grateful that, at long last, the Club spoke out, at least 15,000 fans ignored the belated appeal. “It is clear Celtic cannot control its supporters when they take to

the streets. We repeat our request, made two years ago, that should there be another such occasion the Club organises - at its cost - its own celebration at Parkhead, the Emirates across

the road from the stadium, Glasgow Green or any other venue of its choice. “This cannot be allowed to happen for a fourth successive year. We shall be reviewing Saturday’s events with

Glasgow City Council, the police and our Scottish Parliamentary representatives, and will continue to press for urgent actions by all parties involved.” A heated altercation also unfolded in

George Square in the city centre on Saturday morning as Hoops fans heading to Celtic Park collided with the Orange Order's VE Day 80th anniversary parade. Article continues below

Footage emerged showing objects being thrown between the crowds. A number of cans and bottles were seen flying through the air after being lobbed in the direction of the Celtic fans. JOIN

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