Prime Minister condemns “foolish, thug behavior” at Old Firm match after Celtic staff members were hit by glass bottle

Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon condemned the violence in yesterday’s match of the Old Firm, calling it “stupid and hooligan behavior”.

A member of Celtic’s behind-the-scenes team suffered head trauma after being hit by a glass bottle during the match.

Celtic said its employees needed emergency medical attention and needed stitches on their heads.

The club said in a statement that the matter has been referred to the Scottish police.

Police are also investigating how a broken glass bottle fell into Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart’s penalty area.

The second half of the match was postponed as Ibrox’s field staff took the shards.

Asked about the incident during a visit to a charity in Govan, the Prime Minister said: “This type of behavior, whether at a football match or on the street, is unacceptable.

“It is absolutely unacceptable for people to throw glass bottles. This is stupid and brutal behavior that has no place in any civil society, but it is a matter of the authorities, obviously the football authorities, and potentially the police and criminal justice authorities.

“Football is something, no matter which team you support, I’m not the biggest football fan in the world as you know, and not just because my team is Ayr United, but people should be able to enjoy football.

“Football should be something that people can take children to and have a happy and joyful event and attitude, whether it’s an Old Firm game or any other football game that overshadows it, and this should be considered absolutely unacceptable.

“We know glass bottles were thrown at Glasgow’s Ibrox Stadium during the Rangers v Celtic match,” said the Scottish police spokesman.

“As a result, one man was injured and needed treatment. Investigations continue to determine the exact circumstances. ”

Ange Postecoglou and Giovanni van Bronckhorst have condemned the responsible supporters.

After the match, Postecglou said: “It is disappointing because this is a game that has been broadcast all over the world and it stands on its own.

“You had two teams fighting for first and second place and you don’t need some idiot to screw it up.”

An SPFL spokesperson said, “We await the match delegate’s report and urge fans who are aware of these events to contact the police.”

Source: Herald Scotland

follow:
\