Hundreds of Celtic and Rangers fans clashed in Glasgow city centre ahead of the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden Park. Police officers were stationed on Argyle Street to separate the supporters before the match, which kicked-off at 3:30 PM.
Christmas shoppers sought refuge in nearby stores as the situation escalated. In a video shown below, fans ran down the busy shopping street wearing Santa hats and setting off flares while police tried to calm things down.
After the troubles on Argyle Street, a large group of Rangers fans was escorted up Union Street near Central Station to catch trains to Mount Florida. Police Scotland has been asked for a comment.
This story is being updated as we get more information.
Rangers and Celtic fans clash in Glasgow ahead of the game today…
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) December 15, 2024
Celtic and Rangers fans cause chaos
It was always going to happen, and the inevitable did. Despite a massive police presence in the city centre, the two sets of fans clashed. While incidents may have been expected during the game, pre-match clashes on this scale were not on the cards. Incidents began to be reported shortly after midday, with social media ablaze with footage of both sets of fans clashing. Police were seen trying to contain both groups, but they had little chance due to the sheer number of fans.
While it's too early to pin the blame on either set of fans, the majority of the footage online appears to feature the Rangers Ultra group, the Union Bears. Footage shows groups of fans in all black, wearing Christmas hats and blue masks and chasing after smaller groups of Celtic fans. As for the Green Brigade, most footage shows them chanting at Rangers fans as they travel to Hampden Park.
The Section 60 stop and search power was put into effect in various areas, including the city centre and parts of the South Side, East End, and South Lanarkshire, until 9 PM.
Stevie Dolan, Chief Superintendent, said: ‘We have dealt with a number of incidents in Glasgow city centre today involving individuals engaging in disorder and violence across the city. Officers have had to act swiftly and robustly to ensure public safety and reduce disorder. The use of weapons or violence will not be tolerated and officers will take action where necessary to ensure safety. It impacts other members of the public and the vast majority of football supporters who want to enjoy the cup final event safely. Officers will remain in the city as our operation continues and anyone with any concerns can approach them.'
Another Old Firm brings yet more trouble
As an Englishman, I get my words don't carry much weight for folks in Scotland. However, as a football fan, it's sad to see more incidents. This all took place in the same week when Celtic fans were targeted by hooligans in Zagreb, where the side played in the Champions League.
Ultimately, regardless of whatever ends up happening on the pitch, the story in the wider news sphere is going to be about yet more violence. There will also be businesses who have to deal with the fallout of the clash, paying to repair damage to shops and other property. We will also no doubt see countless arrests and ‘fans' banned from stadiums for the foreseeable future.