A man has been banned from attending football matches for two years after admitting his involvement in disorder during Celtic's title party celebrations in Glasgow.
Liam Connolly, 38, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, October 12, where he admitted a breach of the peace offence. The offence took place following the clash in Glasgow on May 16.
Connolly was also handed 150 hours of unpaid work. The ban on attending games will last two years.
Police condemn disorder
Speaking after sentencing, Constable Ryan Beveridge said: “What followed at Celtic Park and towards the Trongate area of Glasgow after the final game of last season was completely unacceptable.”
“We will not tolerate disorder and hostility of any kind and those involved will pay the consequences.”
Thousands of fans flocked to the Trongate area of Glasgow following Celtic's 3-1 Scottish Premiership victory over Hearts at Parkhead earlier this year. Police officers were injured during the carnage after missiles, including glass bottles, were launched in their direction.
Some officers were targeted while they assisted with a medical emergency. Riot officers were subsequently drafted in and action was taken to restore order, disperse the crowd and make arrests.
Arrests and police response
A total of 50 arrests have since been made in connection with the widespread disorder, which also saw fans invade the pitch at Celtic Park following the club's victory.
Speaking at the time, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “While we recognise that the majority of fans respected the appeal from police and partners to act responsibly, several thousand still descended on the Trongate area, some of whom engaged in serious disorder.”
“Once again, we have seen unacceptable levels of violence and anti-social behaviour and Police Scotland's officers have been left to deal with the consequences. Being assaulted is not part of the job and regrettably a number of them were injured.”
“The levels of criminal behaviour witnessed, in particular the hostility directed towards our officers, is simply unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. Those involved should be in no doubt that they will be identified and arrested. This mass assembly of people caused significant disruption to local businesses, residents and members of the public in the city centre.”
“Urgent discussions with Celtic, wider Scottish football authorities and other stakeholders, including Glasgow City Council, is required to achieve a solution that improves public safety, reduces disruption and prevents this from happening again.”
