The Celtic Trust have responded to First Minister Humza Yousaf’s call for clubs to take more responsibility for fans celebrating in Glasgow city centre and away from stadiums.
Thousands of Celtic supporters congregated in the Trongate area of the city on Saturday after Trophy Day at Celtic Park, prompting criticism from some politicians and media outlets around the cost of the subsequent clean-up operation and disruption experienced by the general public on the day.
The First Minister told Radio Clyde that “elements of the disorder” were “unacceptable” over the weekend and that he’d like to see Celtic and other successful clubs “better facilitate” celebrations closer to the stadium itself.
Celtic fans looking for more organised celebration facilities
The Celtic Trust have stated in response this evening that previous plans from the club to create designated fan zones have been rejected by the authorities. It’s also claimed there has been a lack of plans in place that would help mitigate issues stemming from large, peaceful and ultimately joyful congregations.
The group said, on Twitter: “A bizarre intervention from the First Minister. Celtic and other clubs have already taken a lead in proactively seeking permission to create fan zones. These requests are consistently knocked back by councils and the police with very little explanation.
“The hypocrisy we are witnessing after Saturday’s party which was, contrary to a developing narrative, of a celebratory and joyful nature is clear. The scenes are similar to other events held during the year including concerts which do not receive anywhere near the same reaction.
“Missing from the developing narrative repeated by a number of politicians and political commentators is that Celtic fans actively supported the clean up of the Trongate with the area cleared of rubbish within a few hours thanks to the efforts of those fans and Council workers.
“Questions must also be asked as to why the Council were unprepared with a lack of bins and public toilets available for fans to use. This is in contrast to other events where facilities are sufficiently provided and similar size, albeit, different crowds are catered for.
“This season is not the first time fans have gathered in huge numbers in the Trongate to celebrate. Moving forward it would be sensible if the Council and police learnt from their counterparts elsewhere in Europe where fan celebrations are facilitated and seen as normal.”
If nothing else, hopefully, this latest controversy can be a chance for authorities to re-assess how to handle large-scale football congregations. Allowing Celtic to create a fan zone would be a big step forward on that front. Only then can you really say the club must take responsibility.
An area of the city, or even a large space such as Glasgow Green, with a stage, entertainment, refreshment and toilet facilities would go a long way to ensuring that celebrations are kept as contained as possible, with minimal disruption.
It has been known for weeks that Celtic fans would be taking to the streets to celebrate another title triumph, as they did last year, which begs the question – why were better plans not put in place well in advance?
In other news, The team that Celtic striker Kyogo punished most this season; quality scoring breakdown.
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