Fans reported for refusing to be searched by police under Section 60, Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994

A group of 90 people, most of whom had concealed their identity, were denied entry to Celtic Park after refusing to be searched by officers under the applied Section 60 powers on Sunday, 16 March 2025.

It was the opinion of officers that they posed a threat to the safety of people within the stadium and to the public due to possible possession of weapons and pyrotechnics.

Whilst the group was contained, pyrotechnics were disposed of and set off causing a fire, endangering both the public and officers. Thankfully no-one was injured.

All 90 people will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to contraventions of Section 60.

As part of the wider policing operation there was one arrest at the match; a 20-year-old man. He was arrested and charged for alleged police assault on approach to the stadium. He has been released on an Undertaking to appear at court at a later date.

A second man, aged 46, is the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal for allegedly being in possession of a pyrotechnic.

Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, who led the policing operation, said:

"Again, the vast majority of fans were simply there to enjoy the match and I would thank them for their good conduct.

"It was necessary to apply containment tactics to maintain public safety and deal effectively with those intent on disruption or non-compliance with relevant legislation, including powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. As a result, some groups of supporters missed the game, but that was their choice.

"Our priority is and always will be the safety of fans in and around the stadium and the general public in the wider city. To support that, enforcement of Section 60 and other legislation was undertaken proportionately, with search powers being enacted in a targeted manner.

"Non-compliance with the Section 60 powers resulted in 90 people being reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Others have been arrested or reported for other offences, including the assault of a police officer.

"A significant number of pyrotechnics were seized or prevented from entering the stadium, which again demonstrates the disregard that some supporters have for the safety of others.

"We will continue to work with partners, including the clubs, to improve safety and order and to ensure that the sporting event is the real focus."