MASKED footie thugs will be forced to reveal their identities by cops given ramped up powers ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm powder keg.
The crackdown comes amid fears organised hooligans are plotting violent clashes – with some matchday morons arming themselves with weapons and pyros.
It comes amid fears organised hooligans are plotting violent clashes[/caption]
Officers will have extra stop and search powers[/caption]
The powers were most recently enacted in December[/caption]
Cops have greater stop-and-search powers of pedestrians or those in cars[/caption]
Officers will have extra stop and search powers – including the right to unmask yobs – in a bid to prevent the shameful scenes that blighted December’s League Cup final.
David Kennedy, secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “If the troublemakers know cops have the power to remove their masks the hope is the trouble won’t happen.
“It will make things better for the public and give the police more power to deal with people who potentially look as if they are going to be involved in trouble.
“They will be able to deal with those people who are hiding behind masks and all the things they use to hide their identity.”
Authorities have rubber-stamped extra policing powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 – starting from 8am to 11.59pm on Sunday.
The zero tolerance zone will cover parts of the east and west ends, as well as the south side of the city.
It gives cops greater stop-and-search powers of pedestrians or those in cars, as well as allowing officers to require the removal of face coverings hiding people’s identities.
The powers were most recently enacted in December ahead of the two sides meeting at Hampden Park.
In the hours before kick-off, shocking images shared on social media showed Gers and Hoops yobs rampaging through Glasgow city centre as horrified shoppers looked on.
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, who is leading the policing operation, said: “Implementation of the Section 60 legislation is only undertaken when there is sufficient risk of serious disorder or violence.
“Unfortunately, this fixture attracts a minority of people who seem intent on using the game as an excuse for violence and the use of weapons.
“The disorder that took place before the fixture in December 2024 was completely unacceptable and we are still carrying out extensive investigations to identify those who were involved, with a number of people arrested.
“Attacks on genuine supporters, the public who can get innocently caught up in disorder, police officers or emergency workers who are there to help and protect will not be tolerated.
“Neither will the possession of offensive weapons or dangerous instruments, including pyrotechnics, or any attempt to evade justice by concealing one’s identity.
“Our officers will take all necessary action to ensure public safety and will be actively patrolling key areas to ensure that it is maintained.”
Around 2,500 Rangers fans are expected to be in attendance at Celtic Park in the city’s east end after a deal was struck to improve safety arrangements when the rivals meet.
For the first time, nets have been erected across the visitors’ enclosure, preventing missiles reaching their target.
Adding to the tension will be the gap between the two Glasgow giants, with Celtic potentially going 19 points clear of their rivals in the league should they win the match.
CS Dolan added: “The number of away supporters attending this fixture is significantly more than over recent years.
“We want the vast majority of football fans who just want to enjoy the game to do just that without the fear of disorder.
“That’s also the same for the general public in the city centre and its environs.
“I would also encourage fans to be aware of changes to the layout of the stadium entrances and arrive in good time.”
Mr Kennedy added: “There will be a proper police presence within the city centre and surrounding area and that means the police will have more confidence.
“There is nothing worse than if you’re standing there as a cop and thinking, ‘I can’t do anything about this’.
“But these powers will assist with the prevention of any crimes.”
We told last month how sheriffs are attending footie games to see pyro mayhem first-hand.
Deputy Chief Constable Jane Connors said fan disorder was “increasingly challenging”.
She told the Scottish Police Authority: “We are grateful to the number of sheriffs who have come to matches to see, hear and feel the disorder.
“We have had 11 banning orders this year.”
The senior Police Scotland cop said five arrests had been made following December’s running battles with efforts ongoing to ID masked culprits.
A national football disorder oversight group including clubs, the Scottish Government and prosecutors is considering law changes to tackle yobs.
AWAY END NETS
NETTING will be placed around 2500 Gers fans at Celtic Park to prevent missiles being thrown from either side.
It’s the first time away support will be at the historic clash since 2023 after the two sides and footballing authorities struck agreement.
The nets, which are common for high-stakes games on the continent, are installed on each side of the stand which is holding the Rangers fans.
Ibrox chiefs have told ticketed supporters to gather two and a half hours before the 12.30pm kick-off on Sunday.
A statement issued added: “We understand that the arrangements in place will require planning and patience from those attending, and we appreciate the commitment of our supporters in following the guidance provided.
“Safety advice has been issued for the forthcoming fixture.
“Rangers supporters with a valid match ticket are asked to arrive at the East Side of the Emirates Arena, entering via Springfield Road for 10am, where they will be escorted across London Road to the six designated away turnstiles, which will be open from this time.
“Supporters must arrive no later than 10:30, as those arriving after this time may face delays and risk missing kick-off.”
