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.
12:57, 18 May 2025Updated 18:01, 18 May 2025
Celtic fans celebrate outside Celtic Park following the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.
Nine people were arrested as Celtic celebrated lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy on Saturday.
Police confirmed six people were arrested as thousands of fans gathered in the Glasgow Cross and Trongate areas of the city for a major title party.
A further three were arrested 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.
Celtic fans celebrate in Glasgow city centre: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.
Enquiries remain ongoing into further reports of offences.
The force said a significant amount of alcohol and pyrotechnics were also pro-actively seized by officers before, during and after the match and from people at the gathering.
Chief Superintendent Emma Croft, Divisional Commander, Greater Glasgow Division, said: “While some fans respected the appeal from police and partners to act responsibly, thousands didn’t and descended on Glasgow Cross causing significant disruption to the city.
“This mass assembly of people also had an impact on some local businesses who took the decision to close early or completely as a consequence.
“A significant majority of those who congregated were highly intoxicated, with evidence of drug misuse requiring medical intervention. A number of people were admitted to local hospitals as a consequence.
“There were numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour including the reckless discharge of pyrotechnics. Several people scaled the Mercat Tower and other street furniture requiring assistance.
“Officers took decisive action to clear the area and prevent further disorder when it was safe to do so. Thankfully there were no reports of injuries to officers.
“We will continue to work with partners to achieve a safer and less disruptive way for fans to celebrate safely.”
The arrests came after thousands of fans flooded to the Trongate area despite calls from the club to stay away on Friday.
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, which left the area strewn in rubbish.
Some fans were even seen scaling traffic lights and the famous Mercat Cross, as well as Merchant City signs in the area.
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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.”