On March 16, 2025, the highly anticipated Glasgow Derby took place between Celtic and Rangers, but the match left more than just the usual tension on the field. For many Celtic fans, including myself, the day turned into a report of police overreach that overshadowed the game itself.
As a long-time Celtic supporter, I finally managed to secure a ticket to the derby—a prized win in my book. Unfortunately, experiencing this significant event and witnessing our team lose 3-2 to Rangers at home marked a disappointing day. The loss stung, not only due to the outcome but also because of how we, the fans, were treated by the police who were ostensibly there to maintain order during such a high-stakes match.
The atmosphere in the air seemed charged with nerves before the game. I was among the Celtic supporters making my way through London Road towards Celtic Park, but I quickly sensed that something wasn’t right. The police presence was enormous, with a staggering 850 officers deployed, making it feel as if there was a significant terror threat rather than merely passionate football fans heading to support their teams.
As we approached the stadium, a segment of the green brigade was kettled—trapped by the police for supposedly carrying pyrotechnics. The scene was surreal: fans, including young children, were detained for more than four hours without access to toilets, food, or water, subject to arbitrary police demands. This was no ordinary security measure; it felt oppressive.
In a statement released on Instagram following the incident, the green brigade indicated they had left the Celtic Social Club at 10.45 AM as per the regular protocol, only to be stopped and detained under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. This law allows police to stop and search individuals without any reasonable suspicion, a blatant overreach that cast a shadow over what should have been a day of football appreciation.
As the situation unfolded, fans were expected to submit to police detention, where they would be physically restrained, searched, and required to disclose personal details while their IDs were filmed. The extent of this 'security measure' felt fundamentally unjust and was rightly condemned by many for infringing on basic civil liberties.
Reflecting on this distressing day, I couldn’t help but draw links to a similar incident that occurred exactly 12 years prior known as the Gallowgate kettle. On that day, fans were also unfairly detained, leading to a public outcry that eventually saw the Offensive Behaviour and Football Act (OFBA) repealed in 2018. Sadly, despite improvements, the societal stigma and heavy-handed tactics towards football fans seem etched in the culture of law enforcement during these events.
Recent political decisions, such as the First Minister’s controversial stance on maintaining an alcohol ban at football stadiums while allowing hospitality exceptions, continue to alienate ordinary fans who are simply trying to enjoy the beautiful game. It reflects a class divide where the majority of fans, often working-class, suffer harsh measures while wealthier individuals partake in the luxury of enjoying a pint while watching the match.
It’s clear that issues of trust between fans and authorities are at an all-time low. How can the Scottish government expect to regain the faith of the fanbase— the lifeblood of Scottish football— when their approach to policing remains so draconian? A football match should be a chance for celebration, not a battleground for power struggles between the state and its citizens. In order for football to flourish in Scotland, a shift in policy treating fans with respect and dignity is essential.
This vital relationship between football and society cannot be taken for granted. In the coming years, the Scots should advocate for their rights as fans and demand a better treatment that reflects the wholesome spirit of sporting culture. The recent actions against the fans only serve to remind us that valuing civil liberties is crucial in a democratic society.
