Celtic urges fans to abstain from unofficial celebrations amidst safety fears

In Glasgow, Scotland, on May 17, 2025, Celtic Football Club has taken a stand against unofficial celebrations following their league trophy win against St Mirren. Thousands of supporters were expected to gather in the Merchant City and Trongate areas after the match. However, the club expressed serious safety concerns, which prompted them to urge fans to refrain from attending these unlicensed gatherings. Previous gatherings have led to significant disruptions, anti-social behavior, and challenges for local emergency services. The adverse impact on the community and local businesses has also been highlighted by city officials and law enforcement. Prior to the anticipated celebrations, bus shelters were dismantled as a precautionary measure due to the risk of supporters climbing onto them, a common scene from past events. This year’s unofficial gatherings are under heightened scrutiny compared to previous years due to the problems they caused. Glasgow City Council has labeled these gatherings as "disruptive" and mentioned that they had "robbed the public purse" during past events. There will be an estimated 500 police officers stationed around the city to manage the crowd and maintain order as the unofficial celebrations coincide with a major Orange walk earlier in the day. Celtic's spokesperson pointed out that while the intentions behind past fan gatherings were well-meaning, they resulted in severe congestion and issues for the community. The lack of proper organization, planning, and safety infrastructure at these gatherings poses a danger to fans themselves. This time, the club has actively encouraged supporters to avoid large public gatherings that lack adequate safety provisions, emphasizing that the club has attempted to collaborate with city officials to find a suitable venue for future celebrations away from the immediate vicinity of Celtic Park. However, a solution has yet to materialize. Community leaders, including Tricia Fort, chairwoman of the Calton Community Council, voiced their frustrations over the impact of previous celebrations on local residents. Many locals reported experiencing another "hellish" day due to rowdy supporters, with some even planning to leave the area during the expected chaos. While there have been calls for the club to take more responsibility in organizing licensed events to ensure the safety and enjoyment of their fans, the club continues to highlight the challenges posed by unregulated gatherings. Such events have resulted in numerous arrests and significant clean-up efforts, further emphasizing the need for concerted planning and community involvement in future celebrations.