OPINION Kick off a full public inquiry to ensure the safety of fans

They deserve to be treated with the same courtesy and respect when they gather as theatre-goers, opera buffs or rugby fans.

The supporters caught up in the crush outside Celtic Park included mums, dads, children and pensioners, who should have been able to enjoy a day out at the game without worrying for their safety.

The pictures taken at the scene are nothing short of chilling. The fact that supporters were injured, with some left climbing walls to escape, should have been the obvious starting gun for a full- scale public inquiry.

Instead, there has been a wall of silence until Friday’s announcement that Celtic have ordered a review from an independent firm of safety management consultants.

The club’s well-intentioned action, where elsewhere there has been only inertia, deserves some commendation.

But the initial findings of world-renowned expert Professor Keith Still demonstrate that, in isolation, Celtic’s may not be enough.

Prof Still says the club may themselves have questions to answer about the safety measures put in place before the Rangers match.

His remarks aren’t open to interpretation. He states bluntly: “As an expert witness in such cases, I’d be looking for the police logs, witness accounts and CCTV foota ge . The r i sk assessment itself needs to be looked at. What have the club done to prevent overcrowding to this extent in that area?

“That is where the safety investigation should begin.”

Prof Still’s credentials are beyond question. And with his words ringing in their ears, it is time for Glasgow City Council to launch their own inquiry as a matter of urgency.

The local authority are responsible for granting the stadium’s safety certificate and have the power to demand the evidence which Prof Still says should provide the cornerstone of any inquiry.

More importantly, they are truly independent and could – and should – conduct such an investigation in public.

This is too important to be kicked into the long grass.

Celtic will host the same fixture early next year, presumably with the same ticketing arrangements between the two clubs and probably with a similar kick-off time.

Between now and then, they host three Europa League games in autumn and winter, which are expected be played in front of capacity crowds.

What’s required here isn’t a blame game but full disclosure with a view to ensuring a safer environment for fans.

What’s needed here isn’t a blame game.. but we can’t let this ever happen again