Nothing off the table in responding to Celtic disorder, says justice secretary Angela Constance

Nothing is off the table in the Government’s response to the disorder of Celtic fans, justice secretary Angela Constance has said.

Thousands of fans descended on the Trongate area of Glasgow on Saturday to celebrate the side’s 3-1 win over Hearts which won the league on the final day.

According to Constance, more than 900 police officers were called in to deal with the unrest, with two sustaining serious injuries.

Responding to an urgent question on the issue, Constance said Government, footballing authorities, clubs and councils should “step up” to deal with what is becoming a recurring issue, particularly in Scotland’s biggest city.

“My view is that, now, nothing should be off the table,” she said.

“I will do what I can within my powers, as will any minister in this Government, but no solution should be off the table.

“We all need to get on the same page and prevent that disorder from happening in the first place.”

She urged all of those involved in stemming similar disorder to “get a grip and get on the same page”.

The justice secretary was responding to an urgent question in Holyrood (Jane Barlow/PA) PA Media

The two officers who were seriously injured were attacked, according to reports, while providing medical help to a member of the public.

Constance was blunt as she addressed those who had not yet been arrested for crime perpetrated as part of the disorder.

“It is important that we all work together to ensure that police do indeed have the tools of the trade,” she said.

“Our police force, I have to put on record and commend them, are very good at following up on disorder.

“Those who think they have walked off free, should just be wary of any celebration, because I know that Police Scotland will leave no stone unturned in bringing those people who have been on the wrong side of the law to justice.”

Scottish Labour MSP Paul Sweeney told the BBC on Monday that Glasgow City Council should create nearby fan zones to divert supporters away from the celebrations which have become a regular feature when Celtic win the league, causing damage and unrest in the city centre.

The council, however, dismissed the entreaties from Sweeney, but Constance appeared to agree, telling the Labour MSP: “I have to respectfully disagree with some of the commentary from Glasgow City Council.”

Reform UK deputy leader and Glasgow regional MSP Thomas Kerr said the disorder was “beyond disgraceful” and was “happening way too often”.