Celtic fans reported after trouble at Celtic v Motherwell match

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/260188-14-teenagers-reported-after-at-celtic-v-motherwell-fan-trouble/

Fourteen teenagers have been referred to the Children’s Reporter after fan trouble broke out at a Celtic v Motherwell match in December.

The league game, which saw flares and fireworks set off and dozens of seats damaged at Motherwell’s Fir Park stadium, prompted a number of arrests.

The scenes, which took place at the fixture on December 6, also saw damage caused a green smoke bomb thrown into the Celtic penalty area.

A statement from police said: “Following a police operation in Lanarkshire over the weekend a further 14 people, all males aged between 14 and 16, are the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal.

“They have also been referred to the Children's Reporter in connection with alleged disorder following the Motherwell V Celtic match on Saturday December 6.”

A total of six 16-year-olds, five 15-year-olds and three 14-year-olds were reported to the procurator fiscal as a result of the latest operation.

It takes the total number of people reported to 25.

Celtic Football Club at the time condemned the fans who were responsible for the trouble.

In a statement released after the match, the Parkhead club accused the fans responsible of "tarnishing the great reputation of the club" and promised to keep supporters updated on the investigation into the incident.

A spokesman said: “Clearly we are appalled by the scenes from last night´s match and the actions of a small minority which have again tarnished the great reputation of the club and our supporters on a night when our team produced such a fantastic performance.”

A Police Scotland spokesman added: "During the course of the match, 18 smoke bombs, three fireworks, and one flare were set off. Significant damage was caused to seats within the ground and we are looking into this matter along with the club to establish the circumstances."

The match saw Celtic defeat Motherwell 5-0.

Celtic fans arrested over Motherwell riot

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-25718955?SThisFB

Police have arrested 14 teenagers in connection with crowd trouble at last month's SPFL game between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park.

Six 16 year olds, five 15 year olds and three 14 year olds - all from the Motherwell area - were held, bringing the total number of arrests to 25.

They will be reported to the procurator fiscal and children's reporter.

During the match, smoke bombs, flares and fireworks were set off. There was also trouble in Motherwell town centre.

A reported £10,000 of damage was caused to seats in a section of Fir Park housing Celtic fans.

Following the match, Celtic suspended 128 fans from their games and relocated 250 season-ticket holders.

The club said it was "appalled" by the disorder and issued precautionary suspensions preventing fans from attending home and away matches.

The 250 season-ticket holders relocated were seated in the Green Brigade's corner of Celtic Park.

Police confident of arresting Celtic supporters following Fir Park disorder

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25314595

Police expect to make "a number of arrests" in relation to the disorder at Motherwell's Fir Park during last Friday's match against Celtic. 

Celtic suspended 128 fans from their games and relocated 250 season-ticket holders following damage caused to seats. 

Smoke bombs and flares were also thrown during Celtic's 5-0 success. 

Superintendent Stephen McAllister said: "Clearly, Police Scotland are very concerned about the vandalism we saw." 

Assistant manager Johan Mjallby insists Celtic had to take firm action against the fans whose behaviour marred last Friday's win.
"I don't think it left the club with any other option but to suspend some fans," said Mjallby. 

The Scottish Professional Football League described the scenes at Fir Park as "shameful" and promised an investigation once it receives its match delegate's report. 

The precautionary suspensions imposed on fans will cover matches away from home as well as at Celtic Park. 

The club statement added: "These events were an embarrassment to our great football club and are absolutely indefensible." 

Talking on Celtic's departure for Barcelona on Champions League duty, Mjallby added: "It is very unfortunate what happened. 

"You don't want to have mayhem, you can't have this disruption inside sports grounds so we have to get together to support the club in the best way. 

"It is a distraction I don't like to see because I like to work with the players. 

"The club has reacted in the best way." 

Supt McAllister, of the Football Coordination Unit for Scotland, added: "We fully expect to make a number of arrests next week in relation to those individuals that were involved in that disorder and carried out acts of vandalism within Fir Park."