Four fans hurt in Old Firm crush scare at gates

A CELTIC fan was taken to hospital and others were treated by medics after a crush minutes before the start of yesterday’s Old Firm derby.

The incident happened in Janefield Street, near Parkhead, as fans tried to get into the stadium before kick-off.

In scenes posted online, supporters could be seen climbing up a wall on one side of the walkway under the North Stand to escape the chaos.

Hundreds of fans were packed tightly up against each other.

Police are understood to be looking into reports that gates to the walkway were shut behind supporters trying to get into the match, which Celtic won 1-0.

Police Scotland confirmed one person was taken to hospital after falling from a wall, while four others were treated at the scene.

Chief Superintendent Brian McInulty said: ‘This was a dynamic situation, ten minutes before the match started.

‘Officers and stewards reacted quickly and put in place measures to relieve the congestion.

‘This included cordons to prevent further entry at Janefield Street and opening up London Road to allow fans to access the stadium from the south.

‘We work closely with Celtic FC to ensure the safety of all fans attending matches. We will review today’s incident and work with Celtic to ensure any learning is quickly put in place.’

One fan told BBC Scotland: ‘People couldn’t walk round the stadium, so there was a bottleneck under the North Stand. Suddenly there was an absolute crush because there were about 1,000 people trying to get one way and about 1,000 trying to go the other way. The corridor is only six-to-seven people wide.

‘They kept letting people through from either side and it became a crush, with people getting semi-trampled. People were panicking and climbing over the fences as they couldn’t breathe properly. It was that bad.’

In a statement, Celtic FC said: ‘We are aware of issues caused by congestion prior to kick-off. We are pleased stewards and police were able to assist quickly and we thank our supporters for their patience while the matter was being dealt with.

‘We will work closely with police to investigate and review this matter. The safety of our supporters will always be our priority.’

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