Glasgow’s Celtic Park, the hallowed ground of one of Scotland’s most storied football clubs, descended into chaos on Sunday, March 16, 2025, as tensions between Celtic supporters and law enforcement boiled over ahead of a highly anticipated Old Firm derby against rivals Rangers. The return of away fans to the fixture for the first time in over two years was meant to mark a return to the passionate atmosphere of this historic rivalry. Instead, it became a flashpoint for disorder, culminating in the arrest of 20 Celtic fans and the denial of entry to nearly 100 others, casting a shadow over the match and reigniting debates about policing and fan treatment in Scottish football.
The trouble began hours before kickoff, as members of the Green Brigade, Celtic’s ultras group, and other supporters approached the stadium on London Road. Police Scotland, anticipating potential unrest following disorder at a previous Old Firm clash in December 2024, had implemented enhanced security measures, including temporary powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. These powers allowed officers to conduct stop-and-search operations without specific suspicion, a move that sparked immediate friction with fans who felt targeted. Images circulating on social media showed scores of officers and police vans forming a blockade around supporters, with the Green Brigade alleging they were “kettled” for up to five hours without access to food or water.
According to Police Scotland, a group of approximately 90 fans, many attempting to conceal their identities, refused to comply with searches, citing concerns over excessive surveillance and discriminatory treatment. This non-compliance led to their being reported to the Procurator Fiscal for contravening the temporary powers. Additionally, a 20-year-old man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer during the approach to Celtic Park, further escalating the situation. Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, who led the policing operation, defended the measures, stating that a “significant number of pyrotechnics” were seized, highlighting the potential safety risks posed by some supporters. However, the Green Brigade and other fan groups, under the banner of “Fans Against Criminalisation,” condemned the tactics as heavy-handed, claiming innocent fans were unfairly caught in the net.
The unrest outside the stadium was compounded by incidents during the match itself. Rangers’ 2-1 victory, sealed by a late goal from Hamza Igamane, was marred by provocative behavior from both sides. Rangers forward Vaclav Cerny sparked outrage by spraying water at Celtic fans while celebrating, an act now under police investigation. Meanwhile, a Celtic supporter was filmed mocking the 1971 Ibrox disaster, which claimed 66 lives, prompting further police scrutiny. These flashpoints underscored the deep-seated animosity that continues to define the Old Firm rivalry, with both sets of fans and players pushing boundaries.
Celtic FC responded by hiring independent safety consultants to investigate fan complaints about the policing operation, signaling their intent to address supporter concerns. However, the club’s statement also emphasized their commitment to working with Police Scotland to ensure safety at Celtic Park. This balancing act reflects the broader challenge facing Scottish football: how to preserve the passion and intensity of the Old Firm derby while mitigating the risks of disorder.
The fallout from the events of March 16 has only deepened the divide between Celtic fans and law enforcement. On March 29, hundreds of supporters staged a protest outside London Road Police Station, demanding an end to what they describe as the criminalization of football fans. The demonstration, organized by the Green Brigade and other groups, passed without arrests, but the message was clear: fans feel their rights are being eroded under the guise of public safety.
As Celtic march toward another Scottish Premiership title, the focus should be on their dominance on the pitch. Yet, the events outside Celtic Park serve as a stark reminder of the challenges off it. With tensions simmering and trust between fans and police at a low ebb, the road to restoring harmony at one of football’s most iconic fixtures looks fraught with obstacles. For now, the echoes of pandemonium linger, a sobering counterpoint to the roar of the Celtic faithful.
