Police responding to medical emergency pelted with bottles by rowdy Celtic fans | Football | Sport

Residents and businesses in Glasgow have roundly condemned the “serious civil disorder” involving Celtic supporters that transformed the city centre into a ‘No Go zone’ on Saturday night. Thousands of fans flooded into the Trongate for the fifth consecutive year after the Hoops clinched the Scottish Premiership title in dramatic circumstances on the final day of the season.

Hearts had sat at the summit of the table since September, but they were beaten 3-1 at Celtic Park in a highly-charged match tarnished by a pitch invasion in the dying moments and reports of “physical and verbal assaults” on the visiting players. Later, riot police were deployed to restore order in the Merchant City and Trongate areas after officers were pelted with bottles and other projectiles while responding to a “medical emergency”.

In an official statement, the Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MTCC) said it “condemns in the strongest terms the behaviour of Celtic fans who have once again turned the centre of Glasgow into a ‘No Go’ zone, trashing the image of Scotland’s biggest city.

“This was the fifth year in succession that the local residents we represent have witnessed serious civil disorder, littering, property damage and their streets being taken over following a Celtic Premiership title win.

“After each of the previous four episodes of lawlessness, MCTCC called on the club and Glasgow City Council (GCC) to come up with a plan to stop it happening again. They have sadly failed to do. Frankly, we despair.”

MTCC said supporters had ignored the “belated appeal.. to celebrate peacefully” from Celtic FC and the SNP-run local authority. The statement added: “The outcome was sadly all too predictable.”

It went on: “On Saturday residents saw between 10,000 and 15,000 Celtic fans descending on Trongate and Glasgow Cross, climbing up a historic building, setting off flares and firecrackers, littering streets all round the city centre with bottles and cans, and blocking main roads including the High Street and Saltmarket.

“All the while shops, including supermarkets, were dispensing alcohol with no question asked. Many businesses simply closed their doors. Many residents knew what was coming and fled their homes for the weekend.

“The price to taxpayers is once again substantial. Even more police were on duty this year than the 350 who tried to cope in 2025. The costs of cleaning the streets and repairs to property will again add to the public’s bill.

“Once again the image of Scotland’s biggest city – shortly to be ‘Proud Host’ of the Commonwealth Games – has been dragged down by the inabilities of the local authority and Celtic FC to stop such anti-social behaviour.”

Hearts issued a furious statement slamming the Celtic fans who stormed the pitch. They said: “Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football.

“Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing.

“We are investigating this fully and are in dialogue with Police Scotland. We will make no further comment at this time other than to say that it is completely unacceptable that our players and staff were put in that situation.”