A large disturbance broke out on Congress Road, outside the Ovo Hydro arena in Glasgow, at around 11.10pm on Saturday as crowds left a bare-knuckle fighting event at the venue. Police Scotland reported that three officers were injured during the disorder, with two requiring medical treatment.
Arrests and Charges
Two men, aged 27 and 32, were arrested and charged with offences including assault, obstructing police and threatening and abusive behaviour. They are due to appear in court on Monday. Three other men were arrested and issued with recorded police warnings for threatening and abusive behaviour and breach of the peace.
Officers Assaulted
Videos posted on social media show a large number of police vehicles around Finnieston Quay and Finnieston Street. In some footage, groups of men can be seen punching and kicking each other on the Clyde Arc bridge before police move in to break up the fighting.
Chief Inspector Paul Daley said: “Several officers were assaulted whilst carrying out their duties during disorder following an event at the Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday night. Violence against officers is disgraceful and will not be tolerated. Being assaulted is not part of the job and it’s extremely fortunate they were not seriously injured.”
Police Appeal for Information
Daley added: “Officers are carrying out extensive inquiries in relation to the disturbance which occurred and anyone found responsible will be brought to justice. I would appeal to the public for information to assist our inquiries. Anyone with information should contact police via 101, quoting incident 2029 of November 7.”
He also said: “We continue to work closely with partners and event organisers to assist their plans for maintaining public safety and to ensure that the overall experience is safe for those in attendance and the local community.” The Hydro hosted an event by the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship on Saturday, with thousands of spectators gathering to watch the hand-to-hand combat.
