Old Firm cup final disorder 'completely unacceptable' as police announce plans
Scottish First Minister John Swinney has condemned the chaos that unfolded before the Old Firm game on Sunday as "completely and utterly unacceptable".
Social media was awash with footage of supporters charging down Argyle Street in Glasgow prior to the League Cup Final clash between Rangers and Celtic, where police had to resort to using batons to manage the crowd.
Reports of missiles being thrown at officers also emerged, which led to one injury, yet, Mr Swinney assured that despite these events, law enforcement kept things "under control". Celtic went on to win the first major trophy of the Scottish season on penalties after a breathless 3-3 draw at Hampden Park.
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During a visit in Paisley on Monday, and talking to the PA news agency, Swinney didn't hold back his thoughts: "There was a completely and utterly unacceptable level of violence from a small minority of football fans involved in the game yesterday."
The disruption spread apprehension among locals: "It caused fear and alarm for people who were quite happily going about their Christmas shopping in the centre of Glasgow and it should not, in any circumstances, have taken place."
Swinney highlighted the clubs' responsibility towards fan conduct, stating both Rangers and Celtic must "take account of the behaviour of their fans".
When disorder peaked on Sunday, Police Scotland employed extra measures, enabling more lenient stop and search actions within key areas of the city and extending into South Lanarkshire.
The First Minister backed the police force's handling of the situation, saying: "Police Scotland had the situation entirely well and comprehensively policed," and made it clear those involved can expect consequences.
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan of Police Scotland stated: "We dealt with a number of incidents in Glasgow city centre involving individuals engaging in disorder and violence,".
He continued: "Our inquiries 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."
Dolan sent a clear message, saying: "I want to make it clear that the use of weapons and violence will not be tolerated and retrospective inquiries are being carried out."
He added: "We are following a number of lines of investigation, including reviewing CCTV and footage on social media."
The Chief Superintendent concluded by expressing gratitude, saying: "I would like to thank the majority of fans for their conduct throughout the day."
In response to the incidents, a spokesperson remarked: "There will, of course, be consequential action as a result of these incidents, which is a matter for Police Scotland, but fundamentally, this type of behaviour is unacceptable, it's a minority of fans that are involved and it should not be tolerated."
The police force confirmed that investigations are still underway regarding the disorder, which resulted in a 26 year old man being hospitalised after a severe assault and the smashing of windows at a pub on Howard Street. However, no arrests have been made in connection with the city centre violence.
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