Thousands set for city centre party to celebrate Celtic title win

Thousands of Celtic fans are set to take over Glasgow city centre this weekend to celebrate the club being awarded the Premiership league title.

The trophy will be handed to captain Callum McGregor after Saturday’s game against Motherwell at Celtic Park as long as they can avoid a monumental collapse in the last two games.

Celtic are currently six points ahead of second placed Rangers with only two games to play, however a superior goal-difference over their rivals means the league title is realistically heading back to the east-end of the city even if they lose both remaining games.

It will be the 16th time that the Hoops have been crowned Scottish champions since the turn of the millennium 22 years ago.

And, after losing out for the first time in a decade last season, the green and white faithful are set to make the most of it with a party planned for Merchant City after the festivities at Parkhead.

Over 5000 people have responded to a Facebook page set up to promote the event, with around 2000 saying they are definitely attending and another 3000 saying they are interested.

The page host asks fans to “bring lots of banners, booze, fireworks and pyro”.

The Facebook page, called Trophy Day Celebrations at Merchant City, said: “After the Motherwell game, gather in the Merchant City to celebrate us winning yet another League title and big Ange’s first. Bring lots of flags, banners, booze, fireworks, pyro and make lots of colour and noise.”

Around 60,000 supporters are expected to attend the Motherwell game, which is being held around two miles away from the Merchant City, at Celtic Park.

Ange Postecoglou’s men know they only have to avoid defeat against Dundee United on Wednesday to rubber stamp the triumph ahead of Saturday’s celebrations.

Even if Celtic fail to pick up a single point against Dundee United at Tannadice on Wednesday and Motherwell at home on Saturday, Rangers will not only have to beat Ross County and Hearts but also need to make up a goal difference of 20 in two games.

Police Scotland say they are aware of a potential gathering and that “appropriate plans” are in place.