Old Firm Hogmanay fixture causes concern
Fears trouble will flare at festivities
Police Scotland have stated that the time and date of the next Old Firm match was the “best option” despite being one of the busiest dates on the festive calendar.
The Rangers v Celtic match will kick-off at Ibrox at 12.15pm on December 31. The licensed trade has branded the Hogmanay fixture “senseless”, warning of obvious concerns about longer drinking time and added pressure on emergency services. We took to the streets of East Kilbride to ask shoppers what their views were on the controversial fixture.
Josh Cassidy (17), of Calderwood, said: “I don’t see how it will have an affect – it’s just another day. There is always bother at Old Firm matches anyway.”
EK shopper Alison Whyte (50), disagreed saying: “This is unfair on police and hospital staff who will be drafted in when they should be with their families. And it puts more worry on parents whose children will be out celebrating.”
Her daughter Loren Whyte (23) added: “I feel it is unnecessary to have it on that date and put so much more pressure on the emergency services. It has definitely put me off going out in town on Hogmanay.”
Cathy Harkins (70), from Westwood, said: “They have chosen a bad date. By kick-off time people may still be out from the night before and won’t need much more drink...that’s when it all kicks off. It’s too much of a strain on resources.”
It will put so much more pressure on the emergency services Loren Whyte