Police urged to tackle Rangers and Celtic fan graffiti

Police have been asked to tackle a growing problem of graffiti being spray painted by Rangers and Celtic ‘ultra’ fan groups in the east end of Glasgow.

A local councillor said that around “400 metres” of football fan graffiti had been removed from the area over the summer.

Councillor David Turner said slogans related to the Green Brigade, Union Bears and 55 have been appearing in Baillieston.

The SNP politician said: “In the last few summer months I have reported an increased amount of graffiti in the Baillieston ward to the council to get cleared up.”

He asked if Police Scotland could deal with the spray paint problem in the area during the Baillieston Area Partnership meeting on Tuesday.

Councillor Turner said: “There must have been over 400 metres of graffiti removed in the last two or three months.”

The politician said it was emblazoned on buildings and pavements and wanted to know if there is activity to deal with the graffiti in the area.

Police sergeant Edward McNeil responded: “It all seems to happen overnight when there are very few people on the streets.

“They can come and within 30 seconds they have done whatever and are gone – moved on to the next place. It is very difficult to police that.”

Sergeant McNeil asked councillor Turner to send him details about the issue.

Martin Lundie, council operations managers for community safety, said the graffiti team will “prioritise” sectarian slogans.

He said: “Graffiti is on the radar at the minute right across the city and it is not just about cleaning it but also identifying those responsible.”

By local democracy reporter Sarah Hilley