Rangers fan admits involvement in Old Firm league cup final disorder

Gary Clark was one of dozens of Rangers supporters who clashed with rival Celtic fans in Glasgow on December 15 last year.

Rangers fan admits involvement in Old Firm league cup final disorderTwitter/X

A Rangers fan has admitted his involvement in disorder in Glasgow city centre before an Old Firm cup final.

Gary Clark, 24, was one of 100 Rangers supporters who clashed with rival Celtic fans on December 15 last year.

Rangers and Celtic were to face off later that day at Hampden Park, which Brendan Rodgers’ side won on penalties.

Before the match, Rangers fans wearing dark clothing, face coverings and Santa hats went towards the Celtic bar Connolly’s in the Merchant City area.

The Rangers group banged on the windows while there were people within the pub.

They then walked several minutes to another Celtic pub, Gallagher’s bar, near St Enoch shopping centre.

Prosecutor Ryan Watson told Glasgow Sheriff Court: “An unknown Rangers fan entered the pub.

“He was punched on the face by an unknown Celtic fan within and retreated.”

Meanwhile, a large group of Celtic supporters assembled in the Gallowgate area, close to the city centre.

They walked towards Argyle Street near Marks and Spencer, which caused members of the public to seek refuge.

Police officers told the Celtic group to desist from advancing towards the Rangers fans, but this was “ignored.”

Mr Watson said: “Both groups came together and a mass disorder took place.

“The disorder continued along Argyle Street with both sets of supporters clashing in front of members of the public, including women and children.

“They were forced to seek refuge in nearby shops to avoid being trampled or struck by lit pyrotechnics.”

The hearing was also told that three people in a nearby cafe cut their trip to Glasgow from England short due to being worried for their safety.

Another person felt too “frightened and scared” to leave the shop where she was.

A further witness had a panic attack caused by the disturbance and struggled to breathe.

Lit pyrotechnics were thrown under a bus being used for a charity which three people were inside.

Mr Watson stated: “They were fearful that due to the petrol generator on board, the bus would catch fire.”

Other members of the public then went on the bus to escape from the disturbance.

One of the charity workers feared he would be assaulted as he was wearing a green jacket at the time.

Police were able to separate both groups, during which a bottle was thrown and narrowly missed an officer.

The Rangers fans were led to Glasgow Central Station, where they boarded a train to the match.

The Celtic supporters were directed on foot to Hampden Park by the police.

An investigation carried out identified Clark from CCTV as being involved in the disturbance.

Officers visited his home and recovered Rangers ultras Union Bears merchandise, three season tickets in Clark’s name and a blue balaclava.

Clark, of the city’s Swinton, pleaded guilty to conducting himself in a disorderly manner and committing a breach of the peace.

The sentence was deferred on the first offender until next month by Sheriff Daniel Kelly, who granted him bail.

The sheriff told him: “Given the very serious nature of this offence, all sentencing options are open to the court, which includes periods of imprisonment.”

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code

Today's Top Stories

Popular Videos

Latest in Glasgow & West

Trending Now