Frontline police fears over Old Firm crackdown Officers ‘in firing line’ at cup clash
Police plea over duo ... but what have they done?
The two men. p re v e n t offensive materials, flares and alcohol being smuggled into the stadium. Last month’s Old Firm derby – the first league clash between the sides in four years, which Celtic won 5- 1 – hit the headlines after sickening stunts by yobs on both sides of the divide.
Hoops fans taunted Gers with doll effigies in Rangers scarves and an POLICE have released pictures of two men they are hunting and have warned people not to approach them.
But there was an outcry last night after police refused to say what the pair have done or why they are being looked for.
The images, taken from CCTV footage are of Craig offensive banner, while Gers yobs smashed up toilets at the ground.
In the days after the match a picture of mayhem emerged, including one police officer being bottled on the back of the head before the game had even kicked off.
Joe O’Rourke, general secretary of the Celtic S u p p o r t e r s’ Association, attended a meeting with police and fans representatives ahead of today’s game to discuss policing around the fixture.
He said: “Police have said they will search buses and will be looki ng at extreme actions and behaviour. Munro, 30, and 26-year-old Allan Robertson, Police Scotland said.
In a statement the force said officers were currently pursuing a number of lines of inquiry to trace the men.
And a spokesman for the Crown Office said it was unable to reveal why the men were being sought due to legal reasons.
“We hope heavy-handed.
“A lot of supporters are intelligent and know the law and know what police can and can’t do.
“We have voiced our concerns and hopefully the police have taken them on board.”
Craig Houston, director of Gers fans group Sons of Struth, said: “Fans have the responsibility to behave in the appropriate manner on both sides. It’s equally important a working relationship with the police can be maintained.
“Over-the-top tactics would be a backwards step.”
Graham Pearson, a former MSP and senior police officer, said it was “very unusual” that the Crown Office and police would seek public help without saying what the men had done.
He said: “It is not a precedent that I’m aware of. I don’t know why the Crown Office is not being more
The notorious effigies that were hung from a Celtic Park stand last month.
t h e y w o n’t
be open with the public. It is very unusual that they would not offer an explanation.
“Unfortunately, it makes it very difficult in encouraging the public to help.
“Presumably there must be a pressing reason. We just don’t know what that pressing reason is at this time.”