Celtic and Rangers fans have been sent a stern warning by Police Scotland ahead of Sunday’s Glasgow Derby.
Brendan Rodgers will be looking to beat Rangers in front of 2400 of their travelling supporters as the Celtic manager looks to tie up the league title as soon as possible.
Celtic are 16 points ahead of the Ibrox club at the top of the Scottish Premiership and a win will take them within six points of being officially crowned the champions.
With Rangers fans in attendance, Police Scotland have issued a warning to both sets of fans ahead of the Glasgow Derby Sunday afternoon kick-off.
And it’s not good news for either set of fans.
Police Scotland will ‘stop and search’ Celtic & Rangers fans on Glasgow Derby day
The statement posted on Police Scotland’s Facebook page said, “For the match between Celtic and Rangers on Sunday, 16 March 2025, the use of powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 has been authorised.
“This allows officers to stop and search people where this is appropriate and necessary, whether they are in a vehicle or on foot.
“Officers can require the removal of any item they believe is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing a person’s identity.
“The Section 60 stop and search power will be in force in various areas throughout Glasgow, from 8am until 11.59pm, on Sunday, 16 March, 2025.”
“It will be used responsibly and when justified to help prevent disorder and serious violence.”
Police Chief sends further Glasgow Derby warning to Celtic & Rangers supporters
To make the message even clearer, Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, who is leading the policing operation, also chipped in.
The police chief said, “Implementation of the Section 60 legislation is only undertaken when there is sufficient risk of serious disorder or violence.
“Unfortunately, this fixture attracts a minority of people who seem intent on using the game as an excuse for violence and the use of weapons. The disorder that took place before the fixture in December 2024 was completely unacceptable and we are still carrying out extensive investigations to identify those who were involved, with a number of people arrested.
“Attacks on genuine supporters, the public who can get innocently caught up in disorder, police officers or emergency workers who are there to help and protect will not be tolerated. Neither will the possession of offensive weapons or dangerous instruments, including pyrotechnics, or any attempt to evade justice by concealing one’s identity.
“Our officers will take all necessary action to ensure public safety and will be actively patrolling key areas to ensure that it is maintained.
“The number of away supporters attending this fixture is significantly more than over recent years. We want the vast majority of football fans who just want to enjoy the game to do just that without the fear of disorder. That’s also the same for the general public in the city centre and its environs. I would also encourage fans to be aware of changes to the layout of the stadium entrances and arrive in good time.”
With the majority of fans behaving themselves in this fixture, there should hopefully be no trouble attached to the game.
However, after a Rangers supporter attacked Celtic midfielder Arne Engels at Ibrox, it seems that the Police are taking no chances ahead of the Celtic Park clash.
Let’s hope that Celtic supporters are talking about a Rangers beating on the park and not about any beatings off it as the Scottish champions look to put them back in their box this weekend.
