Residents and businesses in Glasgow have condemned a “serious civil disorder” involving Celtic supporters that turned the city center into a “no-go zone” on Saturday night. For the fifth consecutive year, thousands of fans flocked to Trongate after the Hoops won the Scottish Premiership title in dramatic circumstances on the final day of the season.
Hearts had been at the top of the table since September but lost 3-1 in a heated game at Celtic Park, tarnished by a dying-minute pitch invasion and reports of “physical and verbal assault” against visiting players. Riot police were then called in to restore order after officers were pelted with bottles and other projectile objects while responding to a “medical emergency” in the Merchant City and Tron Gate areas.
Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MTCC) said in an official statement: “We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of Celtic fans who once again made the center of Glasgow a ‘no-go’ area and destroyed the image of Scotland’s largest city.”
“This is the fifth year in a row that the local residents we represent have witnessed serious civil unrest, littering, property damage and street occupations following a Celtic Premiership title win.
“After each of the previous four incidents of lawlessness, the MCTCC called on the club and Glasgow City Council (GCC) to come up with a plan to prevent it from happening again, and unfortunately they have failed to do so. Frankly, we are in despair.”
The MTCC said supporters ignored “appeals from Celtic FC and the SNP-run local authority to celebrate in a belated and peaceful manner”. “Sadly, the results were all too predictable,” the statement added.
“On Saturday, residents witnessed between 10,000 and 15,000 Celtic fans descend on Trongate and Glasgow Cross, climbing historic buildings, setting off smoke bombs and firecrackers, littering city center roads with bottles and cans, and blocking major roads including the High Street and Salt Market.
“All the while, stores, including supermarkets, were serving alcohol without question. Many businesses simply closed their doors. Many residents knew what was coming and fled their homes over the weekend.”
“The cost to taxpayers is once again high.We had even more police officers on duty this year than the 350 we were supposed to respond to in 2025.The cost of cleaning streets and repairing property will once again be added to people’s bills.
“Scotland’s largest city, soon to be the ‘proud host’ of the Commonwealth Games, has once again seen its image tarnished by the failure of local authorities and Celtic FC to stop such anti-social behavior.”
Hearts issued a statement slamming the Celtic fans who stormed the pitch. They said: “The hearts of Midlothians condemn in their entirety the disgraceful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have once again brought Scottish football to shame.
“Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse of players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply concerning.
“We are thoroughly investigating this matter and are in dialogue with Police Scotland. We will not be making any further comment at this time other than to say that it is completely unacceptable for our players or staff to be put in such a situation.”
