Old Firm Ultras were reportedly denied entry to Celtic Park after cops kettled rival fan groups ahead of the crunch derby.
Celtic’s notorious Green Brigade and Rangers’ mob the Union Bears both faced kettling outside Celtic Park as away fans returned to the fixture for the first time in more than two years.
The Celtic group reportedly refused to be searched by officers, after Police Scotland enforced stop and search powers. The Section 60 powers allowed officers to search individuals for weapons and remove items used to conceal their identity.
The Green Brigade outfit were held on London Road as they approached to the ground. Images on social media showed scores of officers and police vans forming a blockade around supporters.
Reports on social media suggested the fans were kettled for 45 minutes. However, images from the match show a vast area empty at the North Curve safe standing section where the Green Brigade are situated.
It is believed some Union Bears members were also denied entry to the stadium.
Police launched a taskforce to deal with potential disorder ahead of return to away fans to the powder-keg fixture on Friday. Preparations were ramped up after Old Firm thugs ran amok in the city centre before the League Cup Final at Hampden in September.
Shameful scenes unfolded infront of Christmas shoppers as rival groups charged at each other with pyrotechnics and fireworks thrown onto the Argyle Street battleground.
City centre Celtic pub Gallagher’s came under attack when masked up Rangers yobs launched fireworks into the packed bar.
The shameful scenes were condemned by First Minister John Swinney at the time describing the disorder as “completely and utterly unacceptable”.
In the lead up to today’s fixture, a huge ‘stop and search zone’ was placed over much of Glasgow and surrounding areas.
Chief superintendent Stevie Dolan, leading the operation, previously said: “Implementation of the Section 60 legislation is only undertaken when there is sufficient risk of serious disorder or violence.
“Unfortunately, this fixture attracts a minority of people who seem intent on using the game as an excuse for violence and the use of weapons.
“The disorder that took place before the fixture in December 2024 was completely unacceptable and we are still carrying out extensive investigations to identify those who were involved, with a number of people arrested.
“Attacks on genuine supporters, the public who can get innocently caught up in disorder, police officers or emergency workers who are there to help and protect will not be tolerated
“Neither will the possession of offensive weapons or dangerous instruments, including pyrotechnics, or any attempt to evade justice by concealing one’s identity.
“Our officers will take all necessary action to ensure public safety and will be actively patrolling key areas to ensure that it is maintained.
“The number of away supporters attending this fixture is significantly more than over recent years. We want the vast majority of football fans who just want to enjoy the game to do just that without the fear of disorder.”
Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.
Kettled Celtic fans ‘refused entry’ to Rangers clash as cops enforce ‘stop and search’ powers
