Celtic Fans Denied Entry: Police Power Usage and Match Consequences

Following the recent Old Firm match, Celtic FC has announced plans to engage with Police Scotland after approximately 90 fans were prevented from entering Celtic Park due to refusal to undergo searches. This incident has sparked significant concern and complaints from the community regarding the manner and extent of the policing operation beyond the stadium premises.

The match itself was highly charged, with Rangers clinching a 3-2 victory over Celtic, marking their first win at Celtic Park since October 2020. The victory was sealed in dramatic fashion by Hamza Igamane, whose late goal etched a memorable moment in the storied rivalry.

Celtic issued a statement expressing their intention to thoroughly review the concerns raised by supporters and emphasized the importance of addressing these issues effectively. The club stated, 'It is important that these matters are addressed and the Club will be engaging in discussions with supporters and Police Scotland to understand the circumstances and events.'

In preparation for the match, police were granted temporary additional powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which allowed them to stop and search anyone suspected of planning or committing a crime, or found in possession of prohibited items. Ch Supt Stevie Dolan, overseeing the police operation, reported that a significant number of pyrotechnics were seized during the event and expressed gratitude towards the majority of fans for their lawful conduct.

This match marked a significant moment as it was the first to welcome away fans since a ticket dispute was resolved in 2023. The broader implications of such heavy-handed policing tactics remain a topic of discussion among football fans and civil rights advocates alike.

The situation continues to develop as discussions between Celtic FC, its supporters, and Police Scotland are expected to provide further insights and potential resolutions to ensure fan safety and rights are respected in future events.