Police say Celtic failed to plan for fan celebrations ahead of Hearts showdown

Police Scotland says Celtic have failed to take responsibility for the “wider conduct” of fans outside the stadium ahead of the crucial Scottish Premiership decider against Hearts.

A senior police officer said Celtic had not put a plan in place for official celebration events if the side wins the William Hill Premiership on Saturday.

Celtic will host Hearts in a rare final-day showdown for the title as the Edinburgh team looks to win the league for the first time in 66 years.

Should Hearts win, there will be an open-topped bus parade through Edinburgh to Tynecastle on Sunday.

Celtic have urged fans to avoid gathering in Glasgow city centre should Martin O’Neill’s team triumph on Saturday, asking supporters to be mindful of the wider community.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said a “comprehensive” policing plan is in place for the weekend football matches.

He said there had been discussions over many months to arrange events such as fan zones following disorder which has taken place after previous football fixtures.

Mr Waddell said: “Despite these welcome efforts, Celtic Football Club has again failed to bring forward any plan or take any responsibility for the wider conduct and safety of supporters outwith the stadium.

“Should Celtic win the title on Saturday, we have again had to plan for thousands of supporters gathering in the Trongate area of the city as in previous years.

“A dedicated policing plan is in place should this occur which has impacted on the wellbeing of our officers and staff, and led to the unnecessary cancellation of rest days.”

He continued: “Anyone intent on breaking the law and engaging in anti-social behaviour should be in no doubt that we will enforce the law to maintain public safety.

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