COPS IN CELTS EURO TIE CRACKDOWN
City officers team up with Northern Irish force
POLICE in Glasgow have been working with cops in Northern Ireland ahead of Celtic’s Champions
League qualifier to crack down on potential disorder.
Police Scotland urged fans to “focus on the football” and said they had a “robust” policing plan.
Crime Reporter COPS in Glasgow have been working with police officers in Northern Ireland ahead of Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against Linfield in a bid to crackdown on potential disorder.
Celtic Park is expected to welcome 1500 Linfield supporters who will make the journey from Belfast to the city tomorrow for the second leg of the match.
Police Scotland confirmed yesterday that they have been working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) ahead of the game and they urged fans to ‘focus on the football’.
The force also reinforced the message to supporters that anti-social behaviour or attempts to take ‘banned items’ into the stadium will not be tolerated.
Superintendent Craig Smith, who is event commander, said: “Glasgow once again is in the spotlight as Celtic host Linfield on their return leg.
“As would be expected at such an event, there will be a robust policing plan in place with public safety being paramount.
“We’ve been working with a range of partners including PSNI in our planning in the lead up to the match.
“There will be additional officers in and around Glasgow to assist those supporters attending the match.
“We’ll also have officers at transport hubs to ensure fans get there safely, working with British Transport Police officers.”
He added: “Although the majority of supporters attending these matches are well-behaved and enjoy the game, there is often a minority who are intent in drinking too much alcohol and engage in criminal behaviour such as disorder, offensive behaviour and vandalism.
“Plan your outing in advance, know your travel plans, drink responsibly and be aware of restrictions on what you can bring into the stadium. Anyone who is intent in causing disorder or hate crime can expect to be arrested by police.
“Let’s keep this match focused on the football.”
Cops will be looking out for fans committing offences such as carrying offensive banners, setting off pyrotechnic devices or smuggling booze into Parkhead.
The first leg of the match was met with controversy after a Buckfast bottle was launched at Celtic star Leigh Griffiths.
Cops in Northern Ireland also said that they were probing a number incidents following the game which Celtic won 2-0.
Superintendent Norman Haslett previously said: “I would like to pay tribute to and thank the vast majority of fans from both football clubs who behaved impeccably and enjoyed the football match in Belfast between Linfield and Celtic.
“Unfortunately, there were a small number of incidents which police and other relevant authorities will be reviewing in the days to come.”