Activists: Be careful about Old Firm chat

Protesters arriving in Glasgow for Cop26 have been warned to be careful when talking football with the locals.

A travel guide produced by Extinction Rebellion, which has organised a series of high-profile protests to highlight the climate crisis, explains the rivalry between Rangers and Celtic.

However, it reassures campaigners that if they inadvertently offend either set of supporters they will probably laugh it off. The dossier is one of several guides for activists which includes a brochure on how to avoid prosecution.

In the guide to Glasgow, activists are warned: “Glasgow is home to the Old Firm, an intense football and religious rivalry between the Protestant Rangers and Catholic Celtic.

“Rangers represent British unionism while Celtic are rooted in

Irish republicanism and independence. It’s unlikely you will blunder into the realm of this rivalry, and if you do, Glaswegians are far more likely to laugh than take offence.”

There are a number of demonstrations planned. A Fridays for Future procession, estimated to attract around 8,000 people, will begin at Kelvingrove Park on November 5 and end at George Square, while a Cop26 Coalition march from Kelvingrove is planned for the next day.

However, police are preparing for disruptive protests to be launched without warning by groups including Extinction Rebellion and Insulate Britain, which have blocked major roads in England in a concerted campaign.

Police Scotland says any protesters threatening violence or to cause damage will be dealt with “swiftly and robustly”.