Celtic Title Celebrations Spark Police Response: 9 Arrested, Dozens Charged Amid Unofficial Street Party
Despite calls from the club to avoid mass gatherings, thousands of supporters flooded the streets around Glasgow Cross and Trongate on Saturday following Celtic’s final league match of the season — a 1-1 draw against St Mirren that concluded with the presentation of their 55th league title.
The crowd, estimated in the thousands, brought a party atmosphere with flares, music, and chants — but the festivities quickly spiraled into chaos. According to Police Scotland, nine individuals were arrested, and 15 others were charged for various offences including possession of pyrotechnics and offensive weapons, assault, and public disorder.
Authorities also issued six fixed penalty notices and delivered four official police warnings as part of their broader response. The situation on the ground was significant enough that 500 officers were deployed to maintain order, following previous experiences where similar gatherings had turned unruly.
Chief Superintendent Emma Croft, leading the policing operation in Greater Glasgow, described the scene as a mix of high spirits and dangerous behavior. “A large number of those present were heavily under the influence of alcohol,” she said. “We also had to deal with several medical incidents suspected to be linked to drug use, with some individuals requiring hospital treatment.”
Although some fans heeded warnings to celebrate responsibly, a large portion did not. The resulting chaos forced local businesses to close early or shut down entirely due to safety concerns. Several bus shelters were pre-emptively dismantled before the event in an attempt to discourage fans from climbing them — a tactic that worked only partially, as supporters instead scaled traffic lights, signs, and even the historic Mercat Cross tower.
In the sky, a police helicopter monitored the crowd as smoke bombs and flares were set off across the area. Officers eventually moved in to clear the streets once it was deemed safe, with arrests made both at the stadium and within the city centre.
The club’s title celebrations, while smaller than those of 2024 which resulted in 19 arrests and injuries to four officers, still left a notable mark on the city. This year’s event, although less severe, reignited ongoing discussions about how public football celebrations are managed in urban environments.
Officials from Glasgow City Council criticized the impromptu gatherings, calling them “disruptive” and a drain on public resources. They emphasized that these events, not officially supported by either the council or Police Scotland, continue to negatively impact city services and the local economy. “Events like these have robbed the public purse and caused significant disruption to the daily lives of Glaswegians,” a spokesperson said.
Adding to the complexity of the day’s events, a major Orange walk also took place earlier in the morning, though it passed without any major incidents.
Superintendent Croft concluded by reinforcing the need for cooperation between fans, police, and community partners in the future. “While we understand the passion and excitement that comes with winning the league, these kinds of mass gatherings — particularly when fueled by alcohol and disregard for public safety — simply can’t continue unchecked,” she said. “We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to develop safer, more respectful ways for fans to celebrate their club’s achievements without endangering themselves or others.”
