Police Injuries and Arrests During Celtic Title Celebrations
Two police officers were seriously injured and 14 individuals were arrested during disturbances in Glasgow following Celtic's Premiership title victory against Hearts.
Bottles and other projectiles were thrown at officers as approximately 3,000 Celtic supporters gathered in the Trongate area of the city after Saturday's play-off match.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland expressed his dismay over the violence directed at officers.
"I am disgusted and frustrated by the violence shown towards our officers," he said.
Sutherland emphasized the need for Celtic FC to take responsibility to prevent a recurrence of such disorder next year. The club has been contacted for comment.
Police Scotland reported that 10 arrests occurred in the Trongate area and four arrests took place at Celtic Park, with additional arrests expected as CCTV footage continues to be reviewed.
Events Following Celtic's Premiership Win
After Celtic secured a 3-1 victory over Heart of Midlothian, securing their fifth consecutive Premiership title, fans congregated in the Trongate as in previous years.
Initially, the atmosphere was lively, with green flares ignited and fans consuming alcohol, but by early evening the situation deteriorated.
Police officers assisting paramedics attending a medical emergency were targeted with bottles, prompting the deployment of riot police to disperse the crowd.
Sutherland detailed the injuries sustained by officers, stating one suffered facial injuries and the other bruising after being struck by bottles.
"First and foremost, I'm so grateful that only two officers have suffered serious injury," he told BBC Scotland News.
"But when you see the footage and you see the incoming bottles and missiles being rained on our officers, I'm so grateful and we are very fortunate that only two officers have been injured on this occasion."
By Sunday morning, the streets, which had been littered with rubbish, were largely cleared, and damaged traffic lights caused by fans climbing on them were being repaired.
As a precaution, glass was removed from bus shelters ahead of Saturday's title play-off.
Police Criticism of Celtic FC and Safety Planning
Police Scotland criticized Celtic for failing to present a plan to facilitate safe celebrations despite prior discussions.
"Celtic must step forward into this space with the authorities, with the broader partnership and ensure that this isn't happening again next year," said Sutherland.
Pitch Invasion and Confrontations
At the conclusion of Saturday's game, some Celtic fans spilled onto the pitch as the third goal was scored, with reports indicating that Hearts players were confronted by Celtic supporters.
Sutherland stated that the police were collaborating with Hearts to determine the facts and would conduct an inquiry and review CCTV footage to ascertain if any players or fans were assaulted.
The match, nearing the end of the indicated eight minutes of added time, did not resume after the pitch invasion.
Hearts players and staff exited the stadium quickly, with some players still in their match kits as they departed on the team bus back to Edinburgh.
Hearts' Response to Stadium Incident
In a statement, Hearts condemned the "menacing and threatening atmosphere inside the stadium."
"Hearts' entire staff had no alternative but to leave immediately, without undertaking post-match media duties," the club said.
"The pitch invasion caused a chaotic end and nobody seemed to know whether or not the match had been brought to a finish."
SPFL Statement and Future Actions
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) condemned the pitch invasion but noted that before awarding the trophy, the referee had informed them the match had concluded and was not abandoned.
In a statement, the SPFL indicated it would await the referee and match delegate's reports before deciding on any disciplinary measures.
BBC Scotland understands the league intends to consult with the Scottish government on new strategies to address pitch invasions.
In England and Wales, entering the field of play unlawfully has been a criminal offense since 1991.
Ongoing Investigations into On-Field Disorder
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is already investigating on-field disturbances following a cup match between Rangers and Celtic in March.
Police noted that officers were "once again left with the responsibility of mopping this up" after the disturbances.
