Following scenes in the city centre last week of rival mobs marching through the streets and the ensuing violence when they met in Argyle Street, Kaukab Stewart Glasgow Kelvin SNP MSP, said she had multiple complaints from people and business owners.
Stewart, the MSP for the city centre, is asking for the Scottish Government to help put a stop to football-related violence involving Celtic and Rangers fans.
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The MSP has now written to the Scottish Government’s minister for community safety and minister for sport to request a meeting.
Specifically, she has asked to discuss how to “stop disorder in Glasgow city centre before, and after, Old Firm football games”.
She said the “appalling scenes” follow on from years of disruption at the end of the season when “a minority of so-called fans have taken to the streets of Glasgow city centre to celebrate”.
The MSP said she has had preliminary meetings with representatives from both Rangers and Celtic the SPFL the local community council, Glasgow City Council on how to avoid future incidents.
Stewart said: “Last weekend, the League Cup Final was used as an excuse for a mob, in the guise of football fans, to cause fear and alarm within Glasgow city centre.
“Whilst I welcome the widespread condemnation of this minority of so-called fans, it is becoming frustrating to find a way forward to tackle this and ensure that people are not afraid of entering the City Centre on days that Old Firm games are taking place.
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“With this, I have requested a meeting with Scottish Government Ministers to discuss what support the Government can provide to stop such incidents reoccurring.
“The people of Glasgow cannot put up with this for any longer.”
This week John Swinney, First Minister said that both clubs had to do more to combat the violent and anti-social behaviour of a minority of their fans.
Of the violent clashes in Argyle Street where shoppers had to run for safety he said: “It’s not on.”
He said the police had a role to play and the clubs had a role to play.
Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council has also condemned the violence that took place.
