Celtic and Hearts fans clashed in a violent mass brawl outside Celtic Park before the league match on Sunday, with metal barriers raised as weapons and punches thrown along Celtic Way as a group of Hearts supporters made their way along London Road before kick-off.
Shocking footage widely shared online shows a woman screaming as several fights broke out between rival fans. Metal gates used for crowd control were seen being tossed around amid the melee, with punches widely thrown as fans fought running battles on a grass verge while ordinary punters looked on.
Hearts fans retreat to away end
The clips end as the Hearts fans retreat towards the away end of the stadium, but glass bottles continued to be hurled by both sets of fans.
Meanwhile, Hearts-daft broadcaster Martin Geissler posted on social media and hit out at fellow fans for their "grim" songbook at Celtic Park. He said: "Some grim songs coming out of the Hearts support today. I was there, it was excruciating and humiliating. A small, small section of our support as a whole but vocal and well represented today. Proud to support the club I’ve always loved but get that stuff out. It’s awful."
Tensions after last season's title decider
Tensions were brewing ahead of the game after last season's title decider at Celtic Park between the sides ended with a controversial pitch invasion.
However, Martin O'Neill's men ran out easy winners on the day with a 7-1 victory. Goals from Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren put Celtic 2-0 ahead within ten minutes and Hearts never recovered.
Celtic cruise to 7-1 win
A Callum Osmand brace put the Hoops four ahead before a Laurent Mendy consolation, but Mika Baur raced into the Hearts box just before half time and his shot was deflected into the net by Jamie McCart to send Celtic in at the interval 5-1 ahead. Second half goals by Camilo Duran and Nygren sealed the win for Celtic.
Police Scotland has been approached for comment.
