Celtic issue ‘do not attend’ warning as safety fears grow over unofficial title celebrations

Celtic issue ‘do not attend’ warning as safety fears grow over unofficial title celebrations

As in recent years, hundreds of Celtic supporters are anticipated to swarm the Trongate when Celtic lifts the Premiership trophy later on Saturday, May 17.

Due to safety concerns, Celtic FC has advised supporters not to join “unlicensed” title celebrations.

As in recent years, hundreds of Celtic supporters are anticipated to swarm the Trongate when Celtic lifts the Premiership trophy later on Saturday, May 17.

An estimated 2,500 people are expected to attend the Orange walk that will pass through Merchant City as part of the anticipated festivities at Glasgow Cross, but safety concerns have grown.

 

25,000 Celtic supporters, according to the Merchant City and Trongate Community Council, flocked to Glasgow Cross over the previous two years, causing “widespread damage and anti-social behaviour.”

Previously, community council members had concerns about a “possibly inflammatory mix” since Celtic fans were partying “about 500 yards” from the Orange walk route.

Glasgow City Council warned supporters not to attend the events at Merchant City and Trongate, describing them as “unsafe and disruptive.” Celtic has now urged supporters to heed that counsel.

The club acknowledged in a statement released on Friday, May 17, that prior years’ Trongate celebrations have “led to severe congestion and difficulties for emergency services, residents, and local businesses.”

“Supporters should refrain from attending unlicensed large public gatherings, which lack safety planning, facilities, or infrastructure for supporters attending,” the club stated.

A “proportionate” policing strategy is in place, according to police, who have advised revelers “not to gather in large groups.”

“Congratulations on being a Champion again and thank you for the fantastic support you have given the Club throughout the season,” a Celtics official said in a statement.

As we welcome our supporters to Celtic Park on Saturday for yet another fantastic Trophy Day celebration, we want everyone to savor these extremely important moments.

 

“While we want to celebrate in style outside of Celtic Park, we also want to do it responsibly, safely, and with consideration for others.

Even when they are joyful and joyous, big crowds in public places can pose problems for people who live and work there. This is evident from the Club’s recent engagement with local community and resident groups, many of whom include Celtic supporters.

While prior Celtics fan celebrations have been well-intentioned, some of them have caused significant traffic and challenges for emergency services, nearby businesses, and residents, as stakeholders in the community have made apparent in recent weeks.

Furthermore, the number of supporters at past events has grown to such an extent that there is now serious worry about their safety due to the lack of the infrastructure, amenities, and organization of an organized, licensed event.

“In this regard, the Club urges supporters to heed the recent guidance provided by local community stakeholders.

For all of these reasons, the Club would advise supporters to avoid going to unauthorized, sizable public events that lack infrastructure, safety planning, or facilities.

For a while now, Celtic has been making an effort to collaborate with municipal stakeholders in order to talk about and create proposals that could provide a better location for celebrations outside of Celtic Park.

As we work to create suitable arrangements for our supporters in the future, as is the case in other places, we can reassure our fans that we will keep doing so.

“Let’s enjoy our fourth consecutive Premiership Title in a responsible and safe manner. We at Celtic are truly grateful for your ongoing support.