Officers say they now face tackling more mayhem in Glasgow city centre next Saturday as tens of thousands of Hoops supporters are expected to celebrate their team’s Premiership success at an unofficial event in the Trongate area, the Scottish Sun reports.
This year’s gathering will follow similar celebrations which have taken place in the city centre since 2021.
Last year, 25,000 fans gathered in Merchant City, bringing the area to a standstill.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “Our preference was for an organised event or fanzone which would cause far less disruption, reduce levels of antisocial behaviour and improve public safety.
“Police Scotland requested this be considered with our partners, including Celtic FC and Glasgow City Council, as part of planning discussions.
“Unfortunately, this option wasn’t progressed. We’re now working on the assumption that supporters will gather in the Trongate area.”
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There were nineteen arrests made for various alleged offences following last year’s league celebrations.
Four police officers were injured during the disorder and needed medical treatment.
Chief Constable Sutherland added: “We’ll do all we can to deal with anti-social behaviour. I’d urge supporters not to gather in large numbers and to respect the residents, businesses and wider public using the city centre.”
Glasgow City Council (GCC) was forced to fork out £73,032 to repair Mercat Cross after the unofficial gathering took place in 2024.
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Attendees were pictured climbing onto buildings, bus shelters, and traffic lights, setting off pyrotechnics and drinking.
After the crowd dispersed, stickers, graffiti, flags, and litter were left behind.
The entire cost of the clean-up was expected to amount to £100,402.81.
A GCC spokesperson commented: “We have been clear, this season and in previous years, that we would support any effort made by our football clubs to organise safe, sustainable celebration events for their supporters.
“We know from our discussions that an organised event is also the strong preference of Police Scotland.
“However, there has been no request from them for the council to organise or host such an event.”
Celtic FC were approached for comment.
