ed_Scottishfitba1
26-04-2018, 11:23 AM
This Sunday, 29 April 2018, Celtic and Rangers meet in the SPFL at Celtic Park.
Supporters of both teams and those heading to bars and clubs across the country can be assured that Police Scotland’s preparations for the match are well underway with public safety being the national police force’s focus.
Superintendent John McBride, match commander for the game, is encouraging everyone attending or watching to enjoy the match and behave responsibly. He said:
“We are well aware of the significance of this match and there will be 60,000 supporters travelling from all over the country and beyond to Celtic Park. Our officers are extremely experienced in policing these games and facilitating the transit of thousands of supporters.
“We are working closely with a wide range of partners, including British Transport Police, to ensure everyone can get to the match and home again safely and without disruption.
“There is no doubt roads and public transport will be busy, so if you are going to the match plan your journey well in advance and you can go to our website and those of the transport operators for essential advice and guidance.”
Officers have seen a trend for supporters bringing flares or pyrotechnics to matches and Superintendent McBride cautioned supporters being in possession of these.
He added: “These devices are extremely dangerous and endanger the safety of those around you as well as your own safety. Be aware that it is illegal to possess these devices without a lawful authority and it’s illegal to enter the stadium with them. We will take action, you will be arrested and specially trained dogs will be at the stadium to prevent people trying to smuggle them in.
“Anyone who becomes involved in disorder, sectarianism or acts of violence will be dealt with in the same way.
“It is well-documented that drinking to excess leads to increased levels of violence and disorder. So, I am urging supporters to behave responsibly and be cognisant that if you’re drunk you won’t be allowed entry and you’ll miss the match.
“In the past we have conducted successful retrospective investigations. So if you’re not arrested on the day for your anti-social or disorderly behaviour don’t think you have escaped action. You could well have a football banning order imposed, preventing you attending football matches.”
“We will be implementing policing operations throughout the day, including spot checks on buses and coaches travelling to the game.
“Officers will be on hand to offer help, if required. We are here to ensure the safety and security of all supporters attending the game and minimise disruption to the local community. We are aware of the impact football games can have on local residents and we will have resources in place to minimise disruption.”
“My message to Celtic and Rangers supporters is to make this match memorable for the football on the pitch.”
Important advice for supporters when visiting the city:
Drinking alcohol on the streets or in a public place in Glasgow is an offence
Drinking alcohol on public transport, including buses and trains is not permitted
It is an offence to be in possession of alcohol or be drunk aboard a coach or mini-bus travelling to a sporting event. Officers will be conducting spot checks to enforce this.
You cannot bring, or attempt to bring alcohol into the stadium – don’t miss a memorable match because you have drunk too much and don’t get in
It is illegal to attempt to enter the stadium in possession of pyrotechnic devices, such as flares or smoke bombs.
Information and travel advice for those attending can be found on our website www.scotland.police.uk .
Supporters of both teams and those heading to bars and clubs across the country can be assured that Police Scotland’s preparations for the match are well underway with public safety being the national police force’s focus.
Superintendent John McBride, match commander for the game, is encouraging everyone attending or watching to enjoy the match and behave responsibly. He said:
“We are well aware of the significance of this match and there will be 60,000 supporters travelling from all over the country and beyond to Celtic Park. Our officers are extremely experienced in policing these games and facilitating the transit of thousands of supporters.
“We are working closely with a wide range of partners, including British Transport Police, to ensure everyone can get to the match and home again safely and without disruption.
“There is no doubt roads and public transport will be busy, so if you are going to the match plan your journey well in advance and you can go to our website and those of the transport operators for essential advice and guidance.”
Officers have seen a trend for supporters bringing flares or pyrotechnics to matches and Superintendent McBride cautioned supporters being in possession of these.
He added: “These devices are extremely dangerous and endanger the safety of those around you as well as your own safety. Be aware that it is illegal to possess these devices without a lawful authority and it’s illegal to enter the stadium with them. We will take action, you will be arrested and specially trained dogs will be at the stadium to prevent people trying to smuggle them in.
“Anyone who becomes involved in disorder, sectarianism or acts of violence will be dealt with in the same way.
“It is well-documented that drinking to excess leads to increased levels of violence and disorder. So, I am urging supporters to behave responsibly and be cognisant that if you’re drunk you won’t be allowed entry and you’ll miss the match.
“In the past we have conducted successful retrospective investigations. So if you’re not arrested on the day for your anti-social or disorderly behaviour don’t think you have escaped action. You could well have a football banning order imposed, preventing you attending football matches.”
“We will be implementing policing operations throughout the day, including spot checks on buses and coaches travelling to the game.
“Officers will be on hand to offer help, if required. We are here to ensure the safety and security of all supporters attending the game and minimise disruption to the local community. We are aware of the impact football games can have on local residents and we will have resources in place to minimise disruption.”
“My message to Celtic and Rangers supporters is to make this match memorable for the football on the pitch.”
Important advice for supporters when visiting the city:
Drinking alcohol on the streets or in a public place in Glasgow is an offence
Drinking alcohol on public transport, including buses and trains is not permitted
It is an offence to be in possession of alcohol or be drunk aboard a coach or mini-bus travelling to a sporting event. Officers will be conducting spot checks to enforce this.
You cannot bring, or attempt to bring alcohol into the stadium – don’t miss a memorable match because you have drunk too much and don’t get in
It is illegal to attempt to enter the stadium in possession of pyrotechnic devices, such as flares or smoke bombs.
Information and travel advice for those attending can be found on our website www.scotland.police.uk .