Published Date: 12 November 2010
By MARK McLAUGHLINPOLICE had to use CS gas to break up violent clashes as trouble broke out following Hearts' victory over Celtic at Tynecastle.
Clashes flared among the Celtic fans before, during and after Wednesday's game, although there were only two arrests and five supporters ejected from the ground.
The CS gas was used to disperse violent fans on Russell Road, where away fans' buses park, and McLeod Street on the approach to the Roseburn Stand, where Celtic's 3500 fans were seated during the game.
Celtic fans were also heard chanting anti-poppy songs, just days after a section of their support was slammed for unfurling a banner demanding the removal of the "bloodstained poppy" from their team's shirts.
Some Celtic fans were also said to have taunted the home support with The Starry Plough flag, a symbol of Irish republicanism famously flown during the Easter Rising against Britain in 1916.
A police spokesman said: "Inquiries are under way following disturbances that took place at the Hearts v Celtic match at Tynecastle.
"Police were required to deal with a number of incidents of disorder before, during and after the game, and on two occasions officers used CS spray to quell violence and ensure public safety.
"There were two arrests last night, both of which took place within Tynecastle, and in addition there were five ejections from the stadium. There were numerous incidents of disorder.
"Inquiries are under way in order to identify those responsible for the disorder, and anyone who has any information that can assist should contact Lothian and Borders Police."
Trouble flared on the pitch as well as off it, with Celtic manager Neil Lennon facing disciplinary action from the SFA for squaring up to the fourth official and being sent to the stands, shortly after his midfielder Joe Ledley was sent off for a dangerous lunging tackle on Hearts' Ian Black.
A Celtic spokesman said the club would "fully investigate" all of the reports of violence outside the stadium and would be liaising closely with police on the matter.
He added: "We will take the strongest action against anyone who is identified."
The spokesman also addressed the problem of anti-poppy sentiments being expressed at games.
Posts
