Police 'attacked with furniture' following 'disturbance between football fans' ahead of Ibrox game

A police officer was injured after football fans began “attacking” them “with street furniture” on Saturday ahead of the match between Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and officers have been authorised to use emergency stop and search powers until July 24.

Police said that at around 1.30pm on Saturday, July 23 officers were “attacked with street furniture” on Paisley Road West, near Seaward Street, as they prevented a “disturbance between rival football fans”.

Following the incident, chief superintendent Mark Sutherland said that a “significant number of football fans” were “intent on causing disorder and violence across the city”.

He added as a result of the incident on Saturday, police are authorised to use powers available under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994 which allows officers to stop and search people where this is appropriate.

Mr Sutherland added the power is only authorised “when absolutely necessary” and warned that disorderly behaviour “will not be tolerated” as the new football season approaches.

In a statement, Mr Sutherland, said: “Around 1.30 pm on Saturday, July 23, 2022, police officers were attacked with street furniture on Paisley Road West, near to Seaward Street, as they prevented a disturbance between rival football supporters.

“A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and a police officer required medical treatment following the attack.

“There have been a significant number of football fans intent on causing disorder and violence across the city this afternoon and police officers have had to act swiftly and robustly to ensure public safety and reduce disorder.

“As a result I have authorised officers to use powers available under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994 which allows officers to stop and search people where this is appropriate and necessary, either in vehicles or on foot.

“This power, which is only authorised when absolutely necessary, also allows officers to require the removal of any item the officer believes is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing their identity.

“As we approach the new football season I would make it clear that this behaviour will not be tolerated. It impacts other members of the public and the vast majority of football supporters who are in the city to enjoy the game.

“The Section 60 stop and search power remains in force in the Glasgow City Council boundary area until 1.22 pm on Sunday, July 24, 2022. It will be used responsibly and when justified to help prevent serious violence.”