Police Scotland have released images of 19 individuals they would like to speak to in connection with violence and disorder that took place in Glasgow ahead of the Scottish League Cup final between Rangers and Celtic on 15 December 2018. The force has asked anyone who recognises those pictured in the images, which have been released online, to contact them. Eyewitnesses to the disturbances and people with related information have also been urged to get in touch with the police.
Video footage taken on the day of the game appeared to show groups of football fans, some of whom were wearing Santa hats and face masks, running down Argyle Street whilst discharging flares prior to kick-off. Shoppers who witnessed the incident were seen screaming, fleeing and taking refuge inside shops for their own safety. An act of violence was also caught on CCTV footage, which showed a masked person being punched in the face whilst trying to enter a pub of Celtic supporters.
The event caused alarm, distress and fear amongst commuters doing their Christmas shopping in the hours before the game. In the light of the disruptive behaviour, Police Scotland exercised their stop-and-search powers as well as the capacity to remove items which concealed a person’s identity. The Scottish League Cup final was eventually won by Celtic, who beat Rangers 5-4 on penalties following a 3-3 draw.
Reacting to the events, first minister John Swinney condemned the behaviour of a “minority of fans”, as it was completely unacceptable. He also suggested that both clubs have a responsibility to ensure that their supporters behave themselves at all times. Meanwhile, Sturgeon’s Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Humza Yousaf, commented on the “utter mindlessness of some Celtic and Rangers fans” and expressed his costs that this behaviour would come to characterise Scottish football on an international stage.
The authorities in Scotland have warned that supporters who engage in disorderly or violent conduct on match days should expect to be arrested and prosecuted for any crimes committed. Law enforcement has pledged to work with football supporters leaders to keep the public safe during matches, in addition to current initiatives aimed at prevention outreach.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
