‘Number of arrests expected’ over fans’ singing

A SENIOR Police Scotland officer has said he expects a “number of arrests” to be made following “unacceptable” anti-irish Catholic chanting in Glasgow on Sunday.

Footage posted on social media showed Rangers fans marching through the city centre attended by police on Sunday afternoon while chanting an anti-irish song referencing the famine.

Politicians have condemned the scenes with Scotland’s Health Secretary Humza Yousaf saying he is “disgusted” by the anti-irish racism on show following Sunday’s Old Firm game.

Police Scotland

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “We did not facilitate this event and to say so is inaccurate. Officers on patrol came across this group as it was making its way through Glasgow city centre.

“Due to the numbers and to ensure public and officer safety, additional officers were called to assist and, at this point, individuals’ details were noted and the group dispersed. A retrospective investigation into this anti-irish Catholic singing has been launched and we are following up a number of lines of inquiry, including reviewing CCTV footage and footage on social media.

“I fully expect a number of arrests to be made. This type of anti-irish Catholic behaviour is wholly unacceptable.”

Mr Yousaf posted on Twitter: “For those hurling racist abuse at our Irish community telling them to ‘go home’, Scotland is their home. Disgusted to once again see anti-irish racism rear its ugly head.”

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie tweeted: “The images of a mob singing anti-irish racist songs, as they marched through Glasgow escorted by police, ought to be shocking but are shamefully all too familiar.”