Officers ‘traumatised’ after being assaulted by fans during Celtic v Falkirk tie

Two officers and a steward were left “shaken and traumatised” after being assaulted by a group of fans at a recent Scottish Premiership football match, a senior police officer has said.

The incident happened during the game between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park in Glasgow on Wednesday October 29.

In a statement Celtic FC said a member of staff had been carrying out a routine ticket check in front of the rail seating section of the ground when they were “assaulted by an individual.”

Around 100 people from the Green Brigade ultras group then took part in “a co-ordinated and orchestrated action to ‘rescue’ that individual”, many wearing face coverings.

Celtic said: “This large group verbally abused and assaulted the steward and police officers, one male and one female, in a confined space and at one point there was a risk of one of the officers being pulled to the ground and trampled in amongst the larger group.

“The action taken by members of the Green Brigade group prevented the arrest of the individual in question.”

The club said that a “suspended sanction” against the Green Brigade would now be applied, which will see them banned for three matches, beginning this weekend.

The statement concluded: “For our staff and police to be assaulted in this way is simply unacceptable.

“This was a serious and violent incident which cannot be accepted and the Club has no choice but to address this behaviour in the strongest terms.

“Celtic Park cannot be a place for this kind of behaviour and the Club must act in the wider interests and safety of everyone who attends our matches.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland described the disorder as “unacceptable”, and said the force was doing everything it could to trace those responsible.

“We utterly condemn the unacceptable disorder on Wednesday October 29 within Celtic Park after two officers and a steward were assaulted by a large group of fans,” he said.

“No-one should be harmed or intimidated while carrying out their duties and being assaulted is not part of the job.

“This type of violent behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are doing everything we can to trace those involved and hold them accountable.

“We recognise that only a small percentage of fans behave in such a way and cause disorder, but encourage all supporters to take personal responsibility for their conduct at matches.

“The officers and steward were left extremely shaken and traumatised by the incident and are being offered support.

“We work closely with all clubs and event organisers to assist their plans for maintaining public safety.”

Anybody with information about these assaults and disorder is asked to call 101 quoting reference PS-20251029-2196.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.