Glasgow, Scotland – Celtic Football Club, the newly crowned Scottish Premiership champions, has made the difficult decision to cancel its planned title parade due to a scheduling conflict with an Orange Order march set to take place in the city on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The announcement has sparked widespread discussion among fans, local authorities, and community leaders, with concerns raised about public safety and the potential for unrest in Glasgow’s Merchant City area.
Celtic secured their fourth consecutive Premiership title with a commanding 5-0 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice, prompting plans for a celebratory parade following their final league match against St Mirren at Celtic Park. Thousands of supporters were expected to gather in the Trongate and Merchant City areas to celebrate the trophy presentation, a tradition for the club’s passionate fanbase. However, the confirmation of an Orange Order march, organized to mark V.E. Day, on the same day has led to fears of a volatile clash between the two groups.
The Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization, has scheduled its parade to pass through Merchant City at a time that overlaps with Celtic’s planned celebrations. Posts on X and local media reports, including Glasgow Live and the Daily Record, highlight growing concerns about an “inflammatory mix” that could lead to public disorder. Glasgow City Council, criticized by some as “incompetent” for approving the march on the same day, faced pressure to postpone the Orange Order event. Despite these calls, the march is set to proceed, prompting Celtic to prioritize safety and cancel the parade.
The decision has elicited mixed reactions. Celtic fans, while disappointed, have largely supported the club’s choice, with many acknowledging the risks of holding simultaneous events in a city with a history of sectarian tensions. One X user, @80_mcswan, urged the council and Orange Order to cancel the march to avoid “serious disturbances,” reflecting the sentiment of those wary of potential trouble. Conversely, some Rangers supporters, such as @TheGers5, argued that the Orange Order’s march should not be disrupted to accommodate Celtic’s celebrations, accusing the latter’s fans of causing “mayhem and destruction” in the past.
Celtic’s management, led by Brendan Rodgers, emphasized their commitment to supporter safety. “While we understand the disappointment this brings to our fans, the safety of everyone involved is paramount,” the club stated. Instead of a parade, Celtic has encouraged supporters to join the post-match celebrations at Celtic Park, where the trophy will be presented in a controlled environment. The club is also exploring alternative ways to engage with fans, potentially through virtual events or future celebrations.
Glasgow City Council has defended its decision to allow both events, citing the importance of balancing community traditions. However, critics argue that the council underestimated the logistical and social challenges. Police Scotland is expected to deploy significant resources to manage the Orange Order march and any spontaneous gatherings by Celtic supporters.
As Glasgow braces for a tense Saturday, the cancellation underscores the complexities of managing public events in a city with deep cultural and historical divides. Celtic fans, while denied their parade, remain focused on the club’s pursuit of a domestic treble, with the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen looming on May 25.
