Nearly 100 fans denied entry to Celtic Park under stop and search powers

Nearly 100 fans were denied entry to Celtic Park ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby for refusing to be searched by police.

Police Scotland released a statement following the match saying the group “posed a threat to the safety of people within the stadium and to the public” due to possible possession of weapons and pyrotechnics.

As part of the wider policing operation a 20-year-old man was arrested for an alleged police officer assault on approach to the stadium.

He has been released on an undertaking to appear at court at a later date.

For the game at Celtic Park, police were granted extra powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

The act allows officers to stop and search people where “appropriate and necessary” either in vehicles or on foot.

The power, which is only authorised when “absolutely necessary”, also allows officers to order the removal of any item they believe is being used to wholly or partly conceal someone’s identity.

A group of 90 people, most of whom had concealed their identity, were denied entry to the stadium after refusing to be searched by officers under the act.

Officers said that the group was contained, but pyrotechnics were disposed of and set off causing a fire, endangering both the public and officers.

There were no reported injuries.

All 90 people will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

A man, aged 46, is the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal for allegedly being in possession of a pyrotechnic.

Rangers fans were allowed inside Celtic Park for an Old Firm game for the first time since 2023.

Hamza Igamane scored a late winner to give Rangers a 3-2 win over rivals Celtic in the thrilling derby that had seen the hosts fight their way back from two goals down.

Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, who led the policing operation, said: “Again, the vast majority of fans were simply there to enjoy the match and I would thank them for their good conduct.

“It was necessary to apply containment tactics to maintain public safety and deal effectively with those intent on disruption or non-compliance with relevant legislation, including powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. As a result, some groups of supporters missed the game, but that was their choice.

“Our priority is and always will be the safety of fans in and around the stadium and the general public in the wider city. To support that, enforcement of Section 60 and other legislation was undertaken proportionately, with search powers being enacted in a targeted manner.

“Non-compliance with the Section 60 powers resulted in 90 people being reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Others have been arrested or reported for other offences, including the assault of a police officer.

“A significant number of pyrotechnics were seized or prevented from entering the stadium, which again demonstrates the disregard that some supporters have for the safety of others.

“We will continue to work with partners, including the clubs, to improve safety and order and to ensure that the sporting event is the real focus.”