RIOT VANS CALLED TO GATHERING IN BUILD- UP TO OLD FIRM
Hundreds of football fans travelled south to watch game in English pubs
POLICE Scot land has condemned a “minority” of football fans for flouting coronavirus rules during the Old Firm fixture. Their comments come after riot vans and mounted officers were called to Parkhead Stadium on Saturday morning ahead of the Rangers against Celtic game.
While no arrests were made, scores of supporters gathered outside the stadium to greet the Celtic team’s arrival with flares and banners.
The match, which Rangers won 2- 0, was played in an empty stadium due to Covid- 19 restrictions.
Managers Steven Gerrard and Neil Lennon earlier echoed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s pleas for supporters home and not travel game.
Dozens of officers were called to control crowds with flares.
A banner held up by Hoops supporters read: “Today nothing else matters.”
Police Scotland’s Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan expressed disappointment with the “minority” of fans who gathered outside the East End stadium as he warned his officers would “not hesitate” to use enforcement when necessary.
He said: “Despite there being no spectators, a policing plan was in place in case of any issues outwith the stadium.
“Disappointingly, despite the clubs, Government and police asking people to do the right thing and stay away, a minority of fans did to remain at to watch the gather near Celtic Park ahead of the match and pyrotechnics were used.
“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, only using enforcement as a last resort.
“We will continue with that approach, but we will not hesitate to use enforcement action where it is necessary.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of Scottish football fans travelled south of the Border on Saturday to watch the match from a pub, according to reports.
Pub owner of The Cumberland Inn Gholamreza Mohtashami told the Sunday Mail that Saturday was one of his busiest days in business since February.
He said: “The game was great – it
was the busiest it’s been on a Saturday afternoon since I got the pub.
“We had a capacity of 85% and I’d say almost all were Scottish. The police contacted us on Friday to ask if we were prepared and we said we were.
“The atmosphere was great, there was no trouble. I’d welcome more Scots in the future if they want to watch football here.”
Other pubs decided to close after being inundated with enquiries, such as Gallagher’s Irish Bar.
Two men who travelled to Carlisle from Scotland were arrested at a train station in the town.
Both were arrested for drunk and disorderly, with one also arrested for possession of a controlled drug.
Cumbria Constabulary had prepared for an influx of football fans from Scotland to the area’s pubs.
They carried out checks on local licensed premises in Cumbria throughout the day as well as engaging with fans, and thanked those who followed guidance.
Superintendent Matt Kennerly said: “Firstly, I’d like to say thank you to the fans and licensees who listened to our message last week.
“Intelligence earlier in the week suggested that a large number of fans were thinking of making the journey to Cumbria from Scotland.
“Ahead of Saturday we engaged with coach companies and licensees around the current guidance and to think about their responsibilities, and the restrictions in place.
“We had officers out in Carlisle engaging with licensees as well as fans throughout the day and fortunately, no licences were in breach of regulations and we haven’t had to issues any fines.”
A policing plan was in place