Green Brigade Break Silence on Controversial Police Action Before Derby
The Green Brigade has spoken out following Sunday’s events on London Road, where around 200 Celtic supporters were contained by Police Scotland ahead of the derby at Celtic Park.
In a detailed statement, the group condemned what they described as a “premeditated attack on football supporters”, warning that the incident reflects a broader threat to civil liberties in Scotland.
According to the Green Brigade, they and other Celtic fans gathered at the Celtic Social Club from 10 a.m., a routine pre-match meeting spot. Despite a heavy police presence, the group claims officers provided no instructions or warnings. When they attempted to make their way to Celtic Park at 10:45 a.m., they were immediately kettled on London Road.
Initially, police allegedly informed them they would be held until all away supporters had entered the stadium. However, after an hour, officers invoked Section 60 of the Public Order Act, citing concerns over fans concealing their identities. The Green Brigade disputes this reasoning, claiming most fans were not wearing face coverings and that offers to remove hats and sunglasses were ignored.
The statement describes how those detained—including young children—were subjected to strict conditions to exit the kettle, including full-body searches, providing personal details and ID, having hats and sunglasses confiscated, and being filmed throughout the process. Many fans refused to comply and were consequently held for nearly five hours without access to food, water, or toilets.
A Pattern of Repression Against Supporters?
The Green Brigade argues that Sunday’s incident is part of an ongoing pattern of suppression targeting fan groups across Scottish football. They cite recent Celtic PLC sanctions and new SPFL regulations imposing collective punishment as part of a coordinated effort by police, clubs, and authorities to marginalize supporters who challenge the status quo.
They also highlight that this crackdown coincided with recent actions by Celtic PLC against the group, questioning whether the club played a role in the police operation. While acknowledging the efforts of Celtic’s Supporter Liaison Officer, John Paul Taylor, who was present and engaged with both police and fans, they now await a public response from Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson regarding the club’s stance on the matter.
CeltsAreHere Responds: ‘Why Was This Necessary?’
At CeltsAreHere, we are deeply troubled by Sunday’s events and the harsh tactics used by Police Scotland—both during and after the incident. Regardless of personal views on ultra culture, this situation crossed a line.
Supporters should be asking: Why was this operation carried out in the first place? Why were fans kettled and detained for hours without basic necessities? Even if you don’t align with the Green Brigade, this is an issue that affects all football supporters in Scotland.
