In a shocking turn of events following the Scottish Premiership clash between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie Stadium on May 14, 2025, the Celtic FC team bus was reportedly attacked by a group of irate Aberdeen supporters. The incident, which has sent ripples through Scottish football, occurred shortly after Celtic’s commanding performance against the Dons, further intensifying the already heated rivalry between the two clubs. While no injuries were reported, the attack has raised serious concerns about fan behavior and safety protocols at high-stakes football matches.
The match itself was a one-sided affair, with Celtic, already crowned champions for the fourth consecutive season, dominating a struggling Aberdeen side. According to reports from the Daily Record, Celtic’s victory was marked by standout performances from players like Maik Nawrocki, who solidified his case for a more prominent role in the squad with a goal and a robust defensive display. However, the result left Aberdeen fans frustrated, as their team’s poor run of form continued, with the Dons winless in their last 29 games against Celtic at Pittodrie, a streak dating back to February 2016. The mounting disappointment among the home supporters, coupled with the high stakes of the upcoming Scottish Cup final between the two teams, appears to have boiled over into the post-match chaos.
As the Celtic team bus prepared to depart Pittodrie, a group of angry Aberdeen fans reportedly surrounded the vehicle, hurling objects and verbal abuse. Eyewitness accounts suggest that bottles, stones, and other debris were thrown, causing minor damage to the bus. Police Scotland, already on high alert due to the intense atmosphere surrounding the match, quickly intervened to disperse the crowd and ensure the safe exit of the Celtic entourage. A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that investigations are underway to identify those responsible, with CCTV footage from the stadium and surrounding areas being reviewed.
This incident is not the first time Aberdeen fans have been linked to disorderly conduct this season. Just weeks earlier, on May 4, 2025, Police Scotland launched a hate crime probe after Aberdeen supporters were recorded hurling vile abuse at a disabled St Mirren fan during a match at SMiSA Stadium. The Scottish Sun reported that the chants included derogatory references to Celtic superfan Jay Beatty, highlighting a troubling pattern of behavior among a small but vocal minority of the Dons’ fanbase. These incidents have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for stricter measures to curb fan violence and hate speech in Scottish football.
The attack on the Celtic bus also comes at a sensitive time, as both clubs are gearing up for a highly anticipated Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on May 24, 2025. Both Aberdeen and Celtic were allocated 20,000 tickets each for the final, with the Dons selling out their entire allocation, signaling strong support from the Red Army. However, the recent violence has cast a shadow over the buildup to the showpiece event, with fears that tensions could escalate further. Authorities are now under pressure to implement robust security measures to prevent similar incidents at Hampden.
Celtic FC issued a statement condemning the attack, emphasizing the need for player and staff safety. “We are deeply disappointed by the actions of a small group of individuals following tonight’s match. The safety of our players, staff, and supporters is paramount, and we are working with the relevant authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable,” the statement read. Aberdeen FC, meanwhile, expressed regret over the incident and pledged to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
The broader context of this incident points to the challenges facing Scottish football in managing fan behavior during a period of intense competition and emotional investment. Aberdeen’s dramatic fall from grace—having started the season as title contenders under manager Jimmy Thelin only to slump to fourth place—has left fans disillusioned. Celtic’s dominance, on the other hand, continues to provoke resentment among rival supporters, particularly as the Hoops chase a potential treble.
As the dust settles on this unsavory episode, the focus must shift to preventing future occurrences. Enhanced stewarding, stricter sanctions for offending fans, and greater collaboration between clubs and law enforcement are critical steps toward ensuring that football remains a safe and inclusive environment for all. For now, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between passionate support and unacceptable aggression in the beautiful game.
