Celtic are urging its fans not to take part in an unofficial "title party" in Glasgow after the last game of the Scottish Premiership season. Thousands of supporters are expected to descend on the Merchant City and Trongate areas of the city on Saturday after the club lift the league trophy following the game against St Mirren at Celtic Park. But Celtic have now asked fans not to attend due to safety fears and concerns from local residents and city officials. Previous gatherings have attracted anti-social behaviour, damage and disruption to the local area. The gatherings are not supported by Police Scotland or Glasgow City Council, which has said similar previous unofficial events"robbed the public purse" and described them as "disruptive". The expected unofficial celebrations will come on the same day a major Orange walk has been arranged to take place in the city, though it starts in the morning. This has been criticised by police unions, who have suggested there to will be around 500 police officers on duty in Glasgow city centre on Saturday. A Celtic spokesperson said: "While previous celebrations involving Celtic fans have been well intentioned, unfortunately, as local community stakeholders have made clear in recent weeks, some of these have led to severe congestion and difficulties for emergency services, residents and local businesses. "Further, without the planning, facilities and infrastructure of an organised, licensed event, the number of supporters present at previous gatherings has become so great that the safety of fans has also become an issue of real concern. "For all of these reasons, the club would encourage supporters not to attend unlicensed large public gatherings, which do not have safety planning, facilities or infrastructure for supporters attending." Last year's gathering resulted in19 arrests, injuries to four police officers and a massive clean-up operation the following day. Tricia Fort, chairwoman of Calton Community Council, said previous gatherings had been "hellish" for some people who live around the Trongate and Glasgow Cross areas. She said: "People who live at Glasgow Cross are moving out (for the day) because it has been so bad before. "The city council say they can't do anything because nobody has asked them to arrange an alternative, such as Glasgow Green. "The police are sort of left in the middle and Celtic effectively refuse to organise anything for their supporters - I firmly think they should be arranging a celebration for the fans. The club need to accept their responsibility and step up to the plate." A Celtic spokesperson said the club had been "trying for some time" to come to an alternative arrangement with city officials which might allow for a "more suitable venue for celebratory events away from Celtic Park". Glasgow City Council has said it has received no suggestion of any potential risks from the orange walk taking place in the city after consulting with Police Scotland. But David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said he "can't understand why the planners allowed this to happen" on the same day as the expected unofficial gathering. He said: "I'm shocked and surprised that Glasgow City Council is allowing what is happening tomorrow in Glasgow. "It will be very difficult for the police - sunny days, high celebrations and alcohol is a great mix for the people who are there but not for those who have to police it. "Football is a big thing in Scotland, a big thing in Glasgow and we should have proper fan zones so they can go and celebrate and be safe."
Celtic urge fans not to attend unofficial title party
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Celtic Football Club Advises Fans Against Attending Unofficial Title Celebration"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Celtic Football Club has issued a strong appeal to its supporters, urging them not to participate in an unofficial celebration planned for the day of the Scottish Premiership trophy presentation. The anticipated gathering, which is expected to draw thousands of fans to the Merchant City and Trongate areas of Glasgow, follows the final match of the season against St Mirren. While the club acknowledges the good intentions behind such celebrations, it has expressed serious concerns regarding safety and the impact on local residents and the community. Previous events of this nature have led to incidents of anti-social behavior, damage to property, and significant disruption to the area. Both Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council have distanced themselves from these unofficial gatherings, with city officials emphasizing that similar past events have drained public resources and caused considerable inconvenience to the public. The club's spokesperson highlighted the lack of safety planning and infrastructure at these gatherings, which has resulted in overcrowding and poses risks to the fans themselves as well as to emergency services responding to incidents during the chaos.
Additionally, the timing of the unofficial celebration coincides with a major Orange walk scheduled for the same day, raising further concerns among local authorities and police unions about the potential for heightened tensions and safety issues. The chairwoman of Calton Community Council described the previous gatherings as "hellish" for local residents, leading some to vacate the area on event days. She criticized Celtic for not taking responsibility in organizing a safer, licensed event for their supporters. Meanwhile, the Scottish Police Federation has expressed disbelief over the simultaneous scheduling of these events, questioning the decision-making of city planners. The police anticipate significant challenges in maintaining order, especially given the combination of favorable weather, celebratory fervor, and alcohol consumption among attendees. Calls for creating designated fan zones have been reiterated as a solution to facilitate safe celebrations for the fans while minimizing the disruptions to the community.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Celtic Football Club's recent appeal to its fans not to attend an unofficial title celebration in Glasgow raises various social, safety, and community concerns. The announcement comes in the wake of expected large gatherings following their last match of the Scottish Premiership season, which could lead to serious disruptions in the local area.
Safety and Community Concerns
The club's primary motivation is to ensure the safety of its supporters and the local community. Previous celebrations have been marred by anti-social behavior, resulting in arrests, injuries, and significant strain on emergency services. By discouraging attendance at unlicensed events, Celtic aims to mitigate risks associated with overcrowding and lack of proper safety measures.
Official Stance and Local Authority Reactions
The lack of support from Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council indicates broader concerns about the impact of such gatherings on public resources. The term "robbing the public purse" suggests that the authorities believe these unofficial events create financial and logistical burdens on the city. The club's statement reflects a desire to maintain a positive relationship with local officials and residents, acknowledging their previous grievances.
Potential for Conflict
The timing of this unofficial celebration coincides with a major Orange walk scheduled for the same day, which may further complicate the situation. The police have expressed concerns about managing two large gatherings in the city center simultaneously, indicating the potential for heightened tensions and conflicts.
Community Image and Support
Responses from community leaders like Tricia Fort of the Calton Community Council highlight the impact of such gatherings on local residents and businesses. The club's message seems to resonate with those who prioritize community safety and order, while also appealing to fans who may have a sense of responsibility towards their local environment.
Impact on Public Sentiment
This news narrative can shape public perception, framing the club as a responsible entity that prioritizes safety over revelry. It may also evoke sympathy from local residents who have had negative experiences during past celebrations, fostering a sense of unity against potential disruptions.
Manipulative Elements
While the article aims to communicate safety concerns, it could also be perceived as a subtle attempt to control fan behavior. The phrasing used—highlighting the potential dangers and the club’s commitment to community welfare—could be seen as manipulating public sentiment to discourage what the club perceives as irresponsible behavior.
The article appears to be grounded in factual reporting, as it references past incidents, community responses, and the club's official position. However, the framing of these events may lead to a specific interpretation that aligns with the club's interests.
In terms of broader implications, the focus on safety and community order may affect how fans perceive their role in celebrations. It could lead to a more organized approach to future events, with the potential for official celebrations that are more controlled and sanctioned by local authorities.
The article's reliance on the voices of local officials and the club's spokesperson provides a semblance of balance, but it heavily leans toward promoting a narrative of caution. Overall, while the article is factual, its tone and emphasis suggest a desire to influence public behavior and perception.