PRAISE FOR FANS AS OLD FIRM PASSES WITH NO ARRESTS
COPS last night praised Rangers and Celtic fans for their behaviour after yesterday’s Old Firm derby following fears of a repeat of scenes earlier this month.
There was a heavy police presence at Celtic Park, around Ibrox and at George Square to deter fans carrying out gatherings similar to those on March 7 when Rangers fans turned out to celebrate their team’s title win.
But yesterday afternoon it was all quiet at Ibrox and in Glasgow city centre during and after the match.
Fireworks rang out across the city as the 1-1 draw cemented the Ibrox club’s title triumph.
However, the scenes of a ago were not repeated.
And top cop Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins thanked fans for their conduct while confirming there had been no arrests.
He said: “I’d like to thank the vast majority of fans from both clubs who took responsibility to prevent the spread of coronavirus by staying at home and not gathering at Celtic Park or anywhere else.”
The officer said small groups of fans did gather in some places but they were easily moved on by officers.
He added: “Where small groups of people did gather, officers engaged and encouraged them to disperse and return home.
“The clear message to all supporters as the football season continues over the coming weeks fortnight is to stay safe by staying at home and please do not gather in large groups.
“I’m grateful for the co-operation and support from all clubs and we will continue to work with them and the Scottish Government to ensure the season can be completed safely.”
While a small group of Rangers fans had gathered in the southern part of Bridgeton after the 1-1 draw between the two rivals, supporters were absent closer to Celtic Park.
A large police presence was mounted along the Clyde Gateway heading towards Parkhead from Dalmarnock train station.
The scene of the showdown was mostly deserted as it appeared most were following the strong stay at home warnings from police, the government and clubs.
Passing traffic sounded horns as two Park’s of Hamilton buses took players from the East End stadium following the match.
At Ibrox, police vans lined Broomloan Road but there were no football fans to be seen and the streets around the stadium were all but deserted.
In the city centre, George Square played host to people enjoying fresh air in the spring sunshine.
Only the police presence in surrounding streets and a helicopter passing overhead showed any link to the scenes earlier this month.
Following the Ibrox side’s title win on March 7, hundreds of fans took to the streets of Glasgow to celebrate, flouting rules on social distancing and mass gatherings.
The celebrations drew the ire of the police and politicians, while officers were criticised for what some said was a lax response.
It was also reported that several police officers had to self-isolate with Covid-19 caught following policing of the public gatherings.
Yesterday, though, fans celebrated at home – as did players.
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos celebrated his goal against Celtic by setting off smoke bombs with his wife.
The frontman notched his first Old Firm goal as Steven Gerrard’s side took a point away from Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership.
Morelos’ wife Yesenia posted pictures of the pair with the red, white and blue pyro in their garden after the match.
Before the match, Celtic skipper Scott Brown showed his support to Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.
The Finnish star was allegedly racially abused by a Slavia Prague player during a Europa League clash on Thursday. Brown made his way over to Kamara to embrace his rival before the game began.
Red, white and blue also adorned the streets of the East End ahead of the match, as well as Union flags being hung outside Celtic Park and banners hung across a motorway bridge.
Rangers 55 graffiti was plastered across Shettleston ahead of the Old Firm match.
East End residents woke up to graffiti on buildings all the way down Shettleston Road.
Red, white and blue stripes have also been painted across the city and wider area. The kerbs of Shettleston Road were also marked with red, white and blue paint.
Union flags hung up outside Celtic Park were removed yesterday afternoon by maintenance workers.
A number of flags appeared outside the stadium overnight.
Highway maintenance workers were seen taking each of them down during the Celtic v Rangers match.
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