Two police injured in ‘disgraceful’ scenes as fans protest outside Celtic Park

Two police officers were injured in ugly scenes outside Celtic Park which Scotland’s Justice Minister condemned as “utterly disgraceful.”
Police are seen outside Celtic Park following the Betfred Cup match between Celtic and Ross CountyPolice are seen outside Celtic Park following the Betfred Cup match between Celtic and Ross County
Police are seen outside Celtic Park following the Betfred Cup match between Celtic and Ross County

Hundreds of fans defied strict lockdown rules to congregate outside the stadium as their team crashed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ross County.

Some were seen charging at security fences and clashing with security staff as players departed the stadium in a convoy of cars.

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Humza Yousaf, Justice Minister, described the scenes as “utterly disgraceful” and said the violent conduct of a minority of fans towards police was “shameful.”

He tweeted: “Utterly disgraceful scenes outside of Celtic Park from a minority of fans tonight with violence aimed towards Police. Officers have been front & centre keeping us safe during this pandemic. To treat them this way at any time is shameful, to do it during these times is a disgrace.”

Superintendent Stevie Dolan, Greater Glasgow Division said no arrests were made, but two officers sustained minor injuries during the late afternoon flashpoint.

He said: “"An appropriate policing response was carried out and the group has now dispersed. “We strongly condemn these actions and remind fans that enforcement options remain at our disposal.

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"The Scottish Government regulations are clear that protests are prohibited in areas under level four restrictions and we would urge people to find alternative ways to protest to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"Disorder of any sort will not be tolerated and appropriate action will be taken where any offences are identified."

Videos posted on social media showed some fans trying to haul down security fences as the players left the ground in a convoy of cars.

Veteran TV commentator David Tanner was among many media forced to run the gauntlet of the angry crowd when leaving the stadium.

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He tweeted; “Disturbing scenes at Celtic Park. Tensions are naturally high but this is the wrong approach. Sorry. Spare a thought for the Police Scotland officers on the ground dealing with this.

"As an aside, Glasgow is currently tier 4 lockdown...Football-wise, this is end of Empire stuff.”

Fellow commentator and TV pundit, ex-Celtic legend Chris Sutton, said: “The people protesting outside Celtic Park can’t call themselves Celtic fans. True Celtic fans wouldn’t be singing despicable songs about a man who has given the club the service Neil Lennon has. They are a disgrace. Self entitled a**es.”

Lennon could hear the shouts as he walked into his post-match media conference and said: "It doesn't make me feel good obviously. We are not in a good moment.

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"The game is a small microcosm of the run we are on: penalty and set-play. We have given the opposition free hits.

"We dominated the game and lacked a bit of quality in the final third."

When asked what would he would say to the supporters outside, Lennon said: "What can I say? That's their opinion. It's been rumbling for a while.

"It doesn't matter what I say or what sort of bravado I put on. It won't wash. I have to turn it round with results. I can only do that with the players."

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When asked whether he gave himself a time frame for that, Lennon said: "No. Next game possible, whether it be AC Milan or St Johnstone next week."

When asked if he would understand if the Celtic board took the decision to remove him tonight, Lennon said: "No, I think it's too soon for that.

"We have lost one trophy, that's gone. Our priority is the league, it always is, every time we come into a season.

"We are out of Europe, so it's not been great, but there's plenty of time to turn it around. But it's alright me saying that, we have to show it with action now.

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"I think I should get more time at it but, if not, then so be it."

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