Police deny 90 football fans entry to Celtic v Rangers match

A group of 90 football supporters were denied entry to the Old Firm match after refusing to be searched by police.

Officers were granted special powers ahead of the Celtic v Rangers game to stop fans they believed to be under “reasonable suspicion” of committing a crime.

The supporters, most of whom had concealed their identity, will be reported to the procurator fiscal.

Separately, officers made one arrest for an alleged police assault outside Celtic Park.

The 20-year-old suspect was released on an undertaking and he will appear at court at a later date.

Police Scotland also confirmed a 46-year-old man would be reported to the procurator fiscal for allegedly being in possession of a pyrotechnic.

Rangers won the match 3-2, the Ibrox club’s first victory at the home of their rivals since October 2020.

Ch Sup Stevie Dolan, who led the policing operation, thanked the majority of fans for their good conduct and said searches were “undertaken proportionately”.

He added: “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.”

Police also confirmed that while the group was contained pyrotechnics were disposed of which started a fire.

The force said this endangered the public and officers but no-one was injured.

Ahead of the Scottish Premiership clash police confirmed the use of powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 had been authorised.

But before the match, which kicked off at 12:30, some fans declined to comply with the search requests.

Ch Sup Stevie Dolan added: “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.”

The senior officer added a “significant number” of pyrotechnics were also seized during the operation.

The temporary powers allow police officers to search those they believe to be under “reasonable suspicion” of committing a crime, planning to commit a crime or in possession of a “prohibited article”.

It also allows them to “require the removal of any item the officer believes is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing their identity”.

The powers include the right to stop and search those on foot and in vehicles and will be in force in various areas throughout Glasgow until 23:50 on Sunday.

Police were also granted Section 60 powers ahead of last month’s Edinburgh derby between Hibernian and Hearts at Easter Road.

The Old Firm match was the first to be attended by away fans since 2023 following a ticket dispute between the Glasgow clubs.

Almost 2,500 Rangers fans – who had to be in the ground two hours before kick-off – witnessed a memorable victory.

But despite the win the club remain 13 points behind league leaders Celtic.