'Majority of fans' thanked after huge Old Firm police presence

Although small groups did gather, police in Glasgow thanked the “vast majority” of football fans for staying at home around Sunday’s Old Firm derby.

Police Scotland confirmed that no arrests were made following the game which ended in a 1-1 draw between Rangers and Celtic.

There was a large police presence at George Square, Ibrox Stadium and Celtic Park where officers engaged with small groups and encouraged them to go home.

The match had been in doubt after title celebrations by Rangers fans saw thousands break coronavirus restrictions at Ibrox and George Square, with police reporting attacks on officers and arrests.

A large police presence surrounds the ground during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park, on March 21, 2021, in Glasgow (Ross MacDonald/SNS Group) SNS Group

Crowds of Celtic fans had also gathered outside Parkhead before Christmas to protest over their club’s form.

However, authorities were persuaded that it was safe for the match to go ahead with Glasgow’s assistant chief constable warning there would be a “significant policing operation” in place.

Justice secretary Humza Yousaf said he was grateful to both clubs for their messages to fans in the week leading up to the game.

Police vans at George Square after the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park, on March 21, 2021, in Glasgow. (Craig Foy/SNS Group) SNS Group

He said: “I am grateful to both Rangers FC and Celtic FC for their consistent messaging throughout the week. And to Police Scotland for their own messaging but importantly their planning and preparations for today’s fixture.”

Assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins said that the stay at home message had been clear and supported by the clubs and supporters’ groups.

I am grateful to both @RangersFC & @CelticFC for their consistent messaging throughout the week. And to @policescotland for their own msging but importantly their planning and preparations for today's fixture. https://t.co/gMB5fnzkY5
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) March 21, 2021

After Sunday’s match, he said: “I’d like to thank the vast majority of fans from both clubs who took responsibility to prevent the spread of coronavirus by staying at home and not gathering at Celtic Park or anywhere else.

“Where small groups of people did gather, officers engaged and encouraged them to disperse and return home.

Police vehicles outside Ibrox Stadium after the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park, on March 21, 2021, in Glasgow, (Craig Foy/SNS Group) SNS Group

“The clear message to all supporters as the football season continues over the coming weeks is to stay safe by staying at home and please do not gather in large groups.

“I’m grateful for the co-operation and support from all clubs and we will continue to work with them and the Scottish Government to ensure the season can be completed safely.”