A community group said Glasgow streets became a ‘No Go area’ for residents, businesses and emergency services as thousands descended on the Trongate.
15:44, 18 May 2025Updated 18:00, 18 May 2025
The Trongate area was left strewn with litter after Celtic fans held a title party
Furious locals have blasted Celtic chiefs after thousands of fans descended for unofficial title party celebrations that brought chaos to Glasgow city centre.
A community group said Glasgow streets became a ‘No Go area’ for residents, businesses, emergency services and traffic as thousands of fans turned out for the bash on Saturday – saying the club ‘cannot control’ its supporters.
A trail of destruction was left behind after jubilant fans partied for hours on trophy day for the Parkhead side.
Police confirmed there were six arrests around the Trongate as the local community council blasted fans for climbing on buildings, setting off smoke bombs and leaving litter strewn throughout the streets.
Celtic FC had urged fans not to attend just hours before.
And council chiefs today say they want to work with club chiefs on “safe, sustainable” celebration events to ensure they do not impact on the community in future.
Celtic fans take over
A spokesman said: “What we have seen over recent seasons are the consequences of groups arranging and promoting mass gatherings without making even the most basic arrangements to keep the people attending safe – or taking account of the needs of the local community.
“The council has heard the concerns and the frustrations of the residents and businesses that have felt the greatest impact from the disruption these gatherings have caused – and we have tried to ensure those are also taken on board by football clubs and other stakeholders.
“We have been clear – both this season and in previous years – that if clubs, supporters’ groups or others are serious about wanting to hold safe, sustainable celebration events then the city will support them in any way it can.
“The council welcomes the statement released by Celtic on Friday and will be seeking early discussions with the club.”
On Friday, Celtic said the number of supporters present at previous gatherings had “become so great that the safety of fans has also become an issue of real concern”.
Smoke fills the Trongate
It said: “The Club encourages supporters to follow the advice issued recently by local community stakeholders in this regard.
“For all of these reasons, the Club would encourage supporters not to attend unlicensed large public gatherings, which do not have safety planning, facilities or infrastructure for supporters attending.
“Celtic has been trying for some time to work with city stakeholders to seek to discuss and develop plans, which might allow for a more suitable venue for celebratory events away from Celtic Park.”
But chaotic scenes unfolded on Saturday as defiant crowds gathered and footage emerged on social media of fights breaking out in the crowds.
Roads were closed and bus shelters taken down in preparation for the huge event.
Some fans were even seen scaling traffic lights and the famous Mercat Cross, as well as Merchant City signs in the area.
Merchant City sign scaled(Image: Jane Barlow/PA)
A spokesperson for Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) said: “Once more, streets in the centre of Glasgow were taken over by thousands and thousands of Celtic supporters and turned into a No Go area for residents, businesses, and traffic, including emergency services and public transport.
“An historic monument, traffic lights and a subway station roof were climbed upon. Flares and firecrackers were set off. Normal life in and around Glasgow Cross and Trongate was brought to a standstill.
“Several hundred police did their duty at great cost to the public purse.
“Glasgow City Council cleansing staff faced the massive task of clearing up the mess – yet another expense to taxpayers.
“At the 11th hour, Celtic Football Club issued a statement the previous day asking their fans not to congregate en masse, noting it would be an unauthorised gathering.
“While we are grateful that, at long last, the Club spoke out, at least 15,000 fans ignored the belated appeal.
“It is clear Celtic cannot control its supporters when they take to the streets. We repeat our request, made two years ago, that should there be another such occasion the Club organises – at its cost – its own celebration at Parkhead, the Emirates across the road from the stadium, Glasgow Green or any other venue of its choice.
“This cannot be allowed to happen for a fourth successive year. We shall be reviewing Saturday’s events with Glasgow City Council, the police and our Scottish Parliamentary representatives, and will continue to press for urgent actions by all parties involved.”
Police confirmed nine arrests across the course of the day.
Six people were arrested at the title party in the city and a further three at Celtic Park during the club’s clash with St Mirren.
Fifteen people in total were charged and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with offences including being in possession of pyrotechnics or offensive weapons, assault and public order.
Six fixed penalty notices and four recorded police warnings were also issued at the time.
Enquiries remain ongoing into further reports of offences.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!
If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.