Celtic have released a new statement addressing concerns surrounding the policing of supporters ahead of the recent Glasgow derby clash against Rangers.
In the lead-up to the match, Police Scotland detained a group of Celtic fans on London Road, holding them for the duration of the game. This led to subsequent statements from The Green Brigade and the club itself, expressing concerns about the handling of the situation.
In response to the situation, various Celtic supporter groups have announced their intent to unite this weekend before the club’s Scottish Premiership match against Hearts. A protest will take place at the London Road Police Station to further highlight concerns over the treatment of supporters.
Celtic has confirmed that they have tasked independent safety consultants to review the concerns voiced by supporters in relation to the incident. The club emphasised that the safety and wellbeing of its fans is always a top priority, both inside and outside Celtic Park.
While the club works closely with Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and other authorities to ensure safety at the stadium, incidents away from Celtic Park are not within their control. However, Celtic acknowledged the growing concerns of their supporters and has committed to addressing them through a structured process.
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The statement, released on Friday, said: "All supporters should feel safe when attending - and travelling to - football matches. Just as supporters should behave safely and responsibly both inside and outside of football stadia, so too they should be confident at all times that they themselves will be treated fairly.
"Maintaining this confidence is vital, so it is therefore important that any concerns brought to our attention on this front are in turn shared and afforded due consideration. It is important to continue to seek positive working relationships.
"The Club is therefore engaging in discussions with Celtic supporters, supporters’ associations, clubs and groups, and Police Scotland, to understand these events and the circumstances in which they took place.
"To inform this process, we have engaged independent safety and event consultants Fairhurst to collate and review the feedback on supporter experiences received by the Club. Fairhurst will also offer an opportunity for others who were present, and who have not already provided feedback on the events, to do so.
"Anyone wishing to provide feedback should contact Fairhurst by email at the following email address: 160325feedback@fairhurst.co.uk
"Through a structured process we will then share these findings with Police Scotland, to assist in; understanding of the experience of those present at the events of 16th March; in identifying any questions to be answered; and highlighting any lessons which may be learned.
"Celtic has a strong record of working positively with our supporters on safety matters over the years. We will continue to do so, as part of a process of ongoing dialogue. We will also work as required with the footballing authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that our supporters – and those of other teams - can enjoy football safely and responsibly."
