The demonstration at London Road Police Station on Saturday (March 29), organised by The Green Brigade, was part of a campaign titled ‘Fans Against Criminalisation’ which seeks to address growing concerns over police treatment of Celtic fans and what they describe as the abuse of police powers.
It follows increasing tensions between Celtic supporters and law enforcement with many fans claiming they have been unfairly targeted in recent months.
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Several reports emerged of heavy-handed policing tactics, with numerous Celtic supporters stopped and searched by officers both before and after the match, while others were “kettled” and denied access to the game completely.
A number of arrests were also made for offences such as public order violation but fans argue many of these were unjustified.
A large crowd gathered outside the stadium from around 1.15pm today where they were seen holding a banner stating “fans against criminalisation”.
At one point, members of the crowd were heard chanting “all cops are b******s”.
Several police officers were lined up outside the station until the group dispersed “a short time later”.
“A proportionate policing plan was in place and the group dispersed a short time later.
“There were no arrests.”
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They confirmed they have tasked independent safety consultants to review the concerns voiced by supporters in relation to the incident.
The club emphasised that the safety and wellbeing of its fans is always a top priority, both inside and outside Celtic Park.
However, Celtic acknowledged the growing concerns of their supporters and has committed to addressing them through a structured process.
The statement, released on Friday, said: “All supporters should feel safe when attending – and travelling to – football matches. Just as supporters should behave safely and responsibly both inside and outside of football stadia, so too they should be confident at all times that they themselves will be treated fairly.
“Maintaining this confidence is vital, so it is therefore important that any concerns brought to our attention on this front are in turn shared and afforded due consideration. It is important to continue to seek positive working relationships.
“The Club is therefore engaging in discussions with Celtic supporters, supporters’ associations, clubs and groups, and Police Scotland, to understand these events and the circumstances in which they took place.
“To inform this process, we have engaged independent safety and event consultants Fairhurst to collate and review the feedback on supporter experiences received by the Club. Fairhurst will also offer an opportunity for others who were present, and who have not already provided feedback on the events, to do so.
“Anyone wishing to provide feedback should contact Fairhurst by email at the following email address: 160325feedback@fairhurst.co.uk
“Through a structured process we will then share these findings with Police Scotland, to assist in; understanding of the experience of those present at the events of 16th March; in identifying any questions to be answered; and highlighting any lessons which may be learned.
“Celtic has a strong record of working positively with our supporters on safety matters over the years. We will continue to do so, as part of a process of ongoing dialogue. We will also work as required with the footballing authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that our supporters – and those of other teams – can enjoy football safely and responsibly.”
