The Daily Record has obtained an internal Police Scotland report which blames celebrating Celtic players for trouble at the September Glasgow derby!
At the final whistle after Olivier Ntcham’s goal had separated the two sides Scott Brown led his players around the pitch to praise the Celtic supporters- as happens at most home matches. Brendan Rodgers was also on the pitch.
According to the Record report, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, the celebrating home players was a source of trouble.
The Police Scotland report recommends:
A crackdown on Celtic and Rangers players doing a lap of honour after Old Firm games.Staggered cordons at Janefield Street, where fans were crushed, for Old Firm games.
A review of away support numbers and segregation arrangements for future games.
A review of holdback, as Rangers fans being held back after the match was identified as an issue at the September game.
According to the Record the superintendent reported: “I am firmly of the view that there is a clear link between the actions of the Celtic players (which immediately inflamed an already delicate situation) and subsequent response of the Rangers fans.”
The changed procedures for the match put the life’s of Celtic supporters at risk with almost 50% more supporters forced to use the Janefield Street ‘tunnel’ in order to accommodate 800 visiting supporters.
Despite the low number of away fans who had all received tickets directly from their club no arrests were made for singing of anti-Catholic and anti-Irish songs.
Celtic have still to hold a safety meeting over their match at Ibrox at the end of December with chief executive Peter Lawwell admitting to safety concerns at the club AGM.
CLICK HERE for Gerrard issues warning to Ibrox money men
