Police have been attacked with street furniture during a disturbance between football fans in Glasgow.
Officers were assaulted while trying to stop rival football supporters clashing on Paisley Road West around 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon. One police officer required medical treatment following the violence.
The large group clashed close to Ibrox stadium, where Rangers were playing Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.
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Police said there was a ‘number of fans intent on causing disorder and violence across the city’ and that they have now authorised officers to use powers available to them to stop and search people either in vehicles or on foot.
The move will allow officers to remove any item they believe is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing a person's identity.
Video footage from the incident shows an individual grabbing an object from the ground and launching it in the direction of the crowd. People also appear to be pushing and shoving each other in the centre of the chaos.
Following the disorder, Greater Glasgow’s Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, said: “Around 1.30 pm on Saturday, 23 July, 2022, police officers were attacked with street furniture on Paisley Road West, near to Seaward Street, as they prevented a disturbance between rival football supporters.
“A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and a police officer required medical treatment following the attack.
“There have been a significant number of football fans intent on causing disorder and violence across the city this afternoon and police officers have had to act swiftly and robustly to ensure public safety and reduce disorder.”
He added: “As a result I have authorised officers to use powers available under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public order Act of 1994 which allows officers to stop and search people where this is appropriate and necessary, either in vehicles or on foot.
"This power, which is only authorised when absolutely necessary, also allows officers to require the removal of any item the officer believes is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing their identity.
"As we approach the new football season I would make it clear that this behaviour will not be tolerated. It impacts other members of the public and the vast majority of football supporters who are in the city to enjoy the game.
"The Section 60 stop and search power remains in force in the Glasgow City Council boundary area until 1.22 pm on Sunday, 24 July, 2022. It will be used responsibly and when justified to help prevent serious violence."
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