Fears over Old Firm’s Hogmanay encounter
Readers speak out on fixture switch
Last week we reported a Rutherglen publican’s concerns over the decision to hold the next Old Firm league match on Hogmanay.
Alex McDowall described the decision as “absolute madness” to let Celtic and Rangers clash at 12.15pm on December 31 and said it had the potential to cause mayhem in the Burgh.
So the Reformer decided to ask some of their readers about whether they thought it was the right decision to move the date of the fixture.
Tony Wilson from Rutherglen said: “I think it’s a good idea. It’s just the minority that cause trouble.
“I think the police control it well now. You used to be able to get into the games with a carry out. A lot of violence was caused due to the alcohol but they’ve since brought in the ban.”
Richie Hunt of Burnside added: “It doesn’t matter what time of year or place the game is.
“There is always trouble any Saturday and Sunday. I think the worse games are against Aberdeen. There is always trouble with both Celtic and Rangers against them.”
Rutherglen shopper Carolann Gemmell said she believed the decision was wrong.
“I think it is a big mistake,” she said. “The police will already be overstretched on Hogmanay and there is always the domestic abuse issue.”
David Bruce from Eastfield agreed: “They will be drinking all day. There will be too much trouble in Glasgow with all the revellers at New Year.”
There will be too much trouble with the revellers at New Year David Bruce