John Swinney denounces Old Firm violence as unacceptable

In Scotland, violent clashes erupted in Glasgow city centre just before the Scottish League Cup Final on December 15, 2024, causing widespread fear among Christmas shoppers. Groups of football hooligans, some masked by scarves or disguises, engaged in aggressive behavior, confronting police and causing chaos on the streets, particularly on Argyle Street. Shoppers were forced into stores for safety as violence escalated; police utilized batons and other measures to control the situation. Consequently, one police officer was injured during these confrontations, which also included a serious assault that left a 26-year-old man hospitalized, alongside damages to pub windows. Despite the serious nature of the incident, no arrests had been made for the violence in the city centre at the time of reporting, though two men were detained for offenses during the match itself. John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister, publicly denounced the unacceptable level of violence perpetrated by a small segment of fans, expressing concern for the safety of citizens who were shopping during the holiday season. He signaled that stronger measures would likely follow, emphasizing the responsibility of the football clubs to manage the behavior of their supporters. Police Scotland had enacted special powers that allowed for more extensive searches within the city in an effort to prevent further disorder. Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan highlighted ongoing inquiries into the violence and asserted that any use of weapons would not be tolerated.