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.

Ban on flags at Celtic's first away match since Motherwell riot

http://news.stv.tv/west-central/257960-celtic-fan-flags-banned-at-boxing-day-tie-against-st-johnstone/

Flags and banners have been banned from Celtic’s Boxing Day tie against St Johnstone over fears about smoke bombs and flares being let off.

The Perth club confirmed the ban had been agreed with the Parkhead side and Police Scotland, which comes after seats were destroyed and smoke bombs let off by Celtic supporters during a recent match against Motherwell.

St Johnstone stated the decision had been made to ensure the 3pm Scottish Premiership game is "played in a safe environment which can be enjoyed by everyone."

It said the move was in response to "a significant increase in the letting off of flares, smoke bombs and other pyrotechnics at games across the country this season."

Police Scotland match commander Superintendent Kevin Lynch said: "We welcome both sets of supporters for what we are sure will be an excellent sporting event. We hope that they all enjoy themselves and we will be there to help keep them safe.

"The police and both clubs expect everyone to enjoy the occasion in the right way and abide by the law, as well as the ground regulations. We will be on hand to assist them where required and, where necessary, to deal effectively with anyone who is involved in disorder or other criminal behaviour.

"Those attending the game, as well as the local community, can rest assured that we will deal effectively with any incidents and put offenders before the courts. That could mean a spell in custody for offenders at a time when I am sure they would prefer to be with friends and family. So please come along and enjoy the game in the right way."

A statement released on the St Johnstone website stated: "As part of the planning process between the police, St Johnstone FC, Celtic FC and other agencies, a decision has been taken that flags and banners will not be permitted inside McDiarmid Park stadium for this game. Fans are asked to be considerate of this requirement in the interest of their own safety and the safety of others."

It also said police will carry out "stop checks carried out on supporters’ buses en route to the game."

Superintendent Lynch added: ‘"We look forward to an entertaining afternoon and hope that everyone who attends enjoys the contest between the sides in a good-natured and enthusiastic way where everyone is safe and remembers the game for all the right reasons."

Celtic in hot water over vandalism

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2520273/Scottish-Professional-Football-League-reprimand-Celtic-crowds-vandalism-pyrotechnics-Motherwell.html

The Scottish Professional Football League could take action against Celtic when its match delegate's report lands at Hampden and reveals the extent of the vandalism and pyrotechnic displays which marred their win at Motherwell.

An estimated £10,000 worth of damage was caused to seating in the middle lower area of the South Stand at Fir Park, just above where a Green Brigade banner was displayed.

A flare was let off in the same area before the game while two green smoke bombs were thrown into the goalmouth, one of them landing yards from Hoops goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

A missile also flew from the Celtic support not far over the head of the England goalkeeper just after Kris Commons opened the scoring in Celtic's highly-impressive 5-0 Scottish Premiership triumph.

While Celtic are preparing to take on Barcelona in their final Champions League game of the season on Wednesday, the Nou Camp clash has, for now, been overshadowed by scenes Celtic described as 'appalling'.

Police Scotland is looking into the 'significant damage' caused to seats and it counted 18 smoke bombs, three fireworks and one flare were set off. No arrests were made inside Fir Park.

Celtic have launched their own investigation while the Green Brigade fans group has also condemned the vandalism and admitted it should have self-policed its section more effectively.

A Green Brigade statement read: 'Firstly we do not condone the breaking of seats nor do we welcome pyrotechnics being thrown on the park. We as a group are as disappointed as any about such indefensible behaviour and regret that it happened on our watch.

'Whilst it was not members of our group behaving in this manner, we accept the fact that these actions took place behind our banner in what was an unofficial "Green Brigade section" and furthermore that the fans within this area are associated to our group whether they are members or not.

'It is particularly disappointing given how hard we have worked as a member organisation of Fans Against Criminalisation and of our own accord to fight the criminalisation of football supporters as we realise the damage that the events of Friday night could have on our efforts to challenge the continued harassment of Celtic fans by Police Scotland.

'Ultimately, we should have had greater control of the bodies present within our block and our failure to do so has resulted in events which are unacceptable and we will strive to ensure that such scenes are not repeated.'

The main Celtic fans' group, the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters Clubs, expressed frustration at the actions.

A statement read: 'We should be discussing another devastating Celtic performance on the pitch instead we are talking about disappointments off the field.

Let's make no mistake that incidents like (Friday) night at Fir Park and the publicity that this attracts makes any negotiations regarding ticket pricing, safe standing and policing at games more difficult.

'Any payment for damage and fines that are the responsibility of the club are ultimately paid by us. This is a measurable cost. The damage to our reputation as a support is unquantifiable.

'In a time when we are fighting to reduce ticket prices, fighting against the Offensive Behaviour Act and trying to make the game more attractive to the thousands who fans who have lost interest (Friday) night is nothing short of disheartening and does nothing to help.'

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/motherwell-v-celtic-smoke-bombs-let-off-at-fir-park-1-3224112

CELTIC saw another exceptional display on the pitch last night soured by fresh controversy involving their supporters as damage was caused to a section of Fir Park.

Seats in the south stand, where the bulk of a 6000 travelling support were situated, were ripped out during Celtic’s crushing 5-0 win over Motherwell which stretched their lead at the top of the Premiership to five points.

SPFL match delegate Alan Dick and Celtic’s head of security Ronnie Hawthorn inspected the affected area after the match. A Motherwell spokesman

indicated that the matter would be dealt privately between the clubs. Smoke bombs and flares were also let off by fans in the same stand before and during the match. Celtic are currently subject to disciplinary proceedings from both the SPFL and Uefa for banners displayed by the Green Brigade section of their support at recent home matches.

Celtic fans direct sectarian abuse at Motherwell manager

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/bad-behaviour-in-the-stands-but-celtic-are-good-as-gold-on-the-pitch.22895889

The only cloud on their night was the behaviour of a section of their huge travelling support. A number of smoke bombs and flares were set off from behind the away end goal.

Before kick-off, and again after their opening goal, they discharged them in the stand and even threw a couple of smoke bombs on to the pitch. It was depressingly witless. Flares have been in the news all week on both sides of the border, especially after one was thrown from the Rangers end at Falkirk on Saturday. Some in the Celtic crowd could not resist dragging their own support into the controversy. Singing about Stuart McCall being a "sad orange b******" was also pretty brainless, and after the game it was clear a number of seats had been damaged in the away end too.

Celtic supporters riot at Motherwell

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/celtic-could-face-spfl-investigation-2900317

FANS damaged seats and threw smoke bombs at Fir Park last night as Celtic faced Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

SPFL delegate Alan Dick held lengthy discussions with police at the visitors’ end after the game.

A Motherwell spokesman said: “The matter will be dealt with privately between the clubs.”

But Celtic could now face an SPFL investigation on top of the UEFA probe into inappropriate banners displayed recently before their game with AC Milan

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2519675/Efe-Ambroses-night-Fir-Park-spoiled-Celtic-fans-ripping-seats-letting-flares-5-0-Motherwell-win.html

Efe Ambrose celebrated the best day of his life in spectacular fashion – on a night when a 5-0 Celtic win over Motherwell was marred by the actions of visiting fans at Fir Park.

Neil Lennon’s men swept to victory but could yet face disciplinary repercussions, as away supporters in the South Stand damaged seats and let off flares and smoke bombs before and during the game. 

SPFL match delegate Alan Dick inspected the damage post-match and, depending on the content of his report, the visiting support may end up souring memories

In England, the Barclays Premier League have already launched an official campaign designed to combat the increasing use of flares and smoke bombs inside stadiums.

The campaign is a measured response to the unfortunate chain of events at Villa Park in October that led to the assistant referee Dave Bryan being struck by a flare thrown from the Tottenham end during the match between Aston Villa and Spurs.

Celtic fans in Fir Park outrage

http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/5310685/Celtic-fans-in-Fri-Park-outrage.html

CELTIC fans brought shame on the club last night after ripping up seats a rivals’ ground then daubing them with offensive IRA slogans.

Yobs rampaged through the South Stand at Motherwell’s Fir Park ground.

During the match dozens of seats were ripped up, metal frames bent out of shape, 18 smoke bombs, three fireworks and a flare were let off and IRA slogans left on chairs which were covered with stickers from the controversial Green Brigade.

F*** you Lawwell — a reference to Celtic’s Chief Executive Peter Lawwell — was scrawled on another chair.

Scottish Professional Football League and Celtic security delegates were inspecting the damage.

Celtic — who won the league match 5-0 — are subject of a UEFA hearing after the Green Brigade unfurled banners depicting William Wallace and Irish hunger striker Bobby Sands before November’s Champions League tie with AC Milan.

A police spokesman said: “Inquiries are on going.”

Celtic fans tear up seats and throw flares during Motherwell riot

6th December 2013

Celtic fans rioted at Fir Park, Motherwell last night. Damage to the ground was described by BBC Scotland as "the worst ever damage inside a Scottish football ground".

Bees chief sorry for Celtic hooligans 'bad behaviour'

http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-sport/west-london-brentford-fc/2013/07/24/bees-chief-sorry-for-celtic-bad-behaviour-109642-33650072/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

BRENTFORD FC's chief executive has pledged to take action against hooligans who spoiled last weekend's friendly between Bees and Celtic.

Mark Devlin apologised to residents for the disruption before and after the game, and said he was saddened that the prospect of Brentford taking on Scotland’s league champions had turned sour.

The Chronicle reported how drunken Celtic fans repeatedly set off smoke bombs and invaded the pitch during the match on Saturday (20) which the Hoops won 2-1.

People living nearby also complained about noise, vandalism, and masses of litter left by the 6,000 travelling supporters who came to Griffin Park for the first time in 50 years.

Mr Devlin said: "Saturday’s match was a very good test for the First Team squad and one that will, I’m sure, stand them in good stead for the upcoming season. The Manager was very positive about the standard of opposition and a number of our players have said publically that the atmosphere was fantastic.

"Usually pre-season friendlies at Griffin Park are played in a relatively quiet stadium in front of a couple of thousand fans. This was nothing like that. The noise generated by the Celtic supporters was unlike any I have seen at a pre-season game. It was very disappointing, therefore, that the afternoon ended with a pitch invasion despite a very high police presence inside the ground.

“Fortunately, no damage was caused to the pitch or goalposts during the invasion. CCTV pictures were taken, and will be passed to the authorities and individuals who have invaded the pitch are being identified. Supporters were searched on entry and anyone found with flares or smoke bombs was denied entry.

"The use of flares and smoke bombs at football matches in England is dangerous and of growing concern to the football authorities. It was abundantly clear that some did get through and this will be discussed at the usual post-match briefing. We have been made aware of reports of several acts of anti-social behaviour caused by some Celtic fans arriving very early, having consumed a fair amount of alcohol.

“We would like to apologise to any local residents who may have suffered as a result of this behaviour. We were of the understanding that there would have been a police presence in the area of Griffin Park from early on Saturday morning, especially as some pubs were open earlier than normal. 

“As always, the Club will reflect on the match with our safety group, which includes representatives of Hounslow Council and the Metropolitan Police. This will take place soon.” 

Celtic fans with drugs, intent on trouble and repeated pro-IRA singing report Daily Mail

22 Jul 2013, Scottish Daily Mail
By BRIAN MARJORIBANKS

ON A clammy afternoon in London, Celtic’s pre- season friendly against Brentford turned into a heated mix of football to savour on the park and unsavoury fan behaviour off it.

A 2-1 win for Neil Lennon’s men at Griffin Park ended with a tense stand-off between rival fans as police and stewards did a great job of keeping the two sets of goading supporters apart.

That the incident did not develop into serious trouble was largely down to their sterling efforts, but while both clubs and the Metropolitan Police were keen to play down events afterwards — with the Met reporting just two Celtic fans arrested, one for possession of Class A drugs and the other for invading the pitch — this was not the kind of behaviour advisable of a club with a burning hunger to eventually widen its footballing horizons.

Bangers and flares were routinely sent off, while intruders ran on to the pitch at both Celtic goals, with another disrupting the game by entering the field of play to take a goal-kick for unsuspecting Parkhead keeper Lukasz Zaluska.

The afternoon was rounded off by a mass pitch invasion, with a malevolent minority intent on provoking trouble, which thankfully did not come to pass despite the Griffin Park groundsman’s vain attempt to dampen the desire for trouble by turning the sprinklers on the miscreants.

The most depressing aspect of the whole game, however, was the repeated pro-IRA singing and the goading of the home fans, although a portion of the London club’s fans fired back with chants of ‘ EDL’ (English Defence League), with one Brentford ‘supporter’ ejected by police for shaking a Union Flag in the direction of the visitors.

‘They were a bit over- exuberant,’ said Lennon, who was escorted off the park by security guards at fulltime in case troubled exploded. ‘Heat, a few beers — there was a carnival atmosphere, although I would like them to leave the flares out of it.’ When the smoke had cleared, literally, after a day of flares, it was almost lost in the chaotic scenes that this had been a decent performance by Lennon’s second string, augmented by top-team players Efe Ambrose and new signings Steven Mouyokolo and Amido Balde.

After flattering to deceive in Germany, £1.7 million striker Balde’s best Celtic performance yet yielded his first goal for the club, cancelling out Adam Forshaw’s opener for the League One side, and, full of confidence, he could have had another but hit the post when clean through on keeper Jack Bonham. Teenager Calum McGregor’s first- ever senior goal, meanwhile, was a piece of sublime finishing, while there were also decent cameo appearances from Bahrudin Atajic and young full-back Darnell Fisher.

And even if the majority have no chance of playing against Cliftonville in tomorrow’s dead-rubber Champions League second-round second-leg qualifier at Celtic Park, they will have benefited from the occasion, which was as far removed from a friendly atmosphere as possible. ‘We had to get off the park really quickly at the end, after the pitch invasion,’ said a wide eyed Fisher. ‘ You could tell on the way to the game it was going to be lively because there were fans out singing on the roads. ‘But I was just delighted to play. I’m from Reading and my family were at the game today, so that made it extra special. ‘My goal this season is to get as many minutes as possible for the first team. I take inspiration from people like James Forrest and Tony Watt, who have got into the first team at a young age. If you’re good enough at this club, then you’re old enough, and I want to be where they are now.

‘The manager has told me to keep working, keep my head down and keep pushing for the first team. I don’t know what his plans are for Cliftonville, but I’m here if he needs me. I feel ready and I’m confident in my own ability.’

Before joining Celtic, Fisher, 19, was playing for Reading-based youth football side Eldon Celtic, although they played in black and green stripes, not hoops. He still marvels at the way his big break came about and how he found himself rubbing shoulders with a Lisbon Lion.

‘I’ve been really lucky,’ he smiled. ‘A couple of years ago a mate called and asked me if I fancied a game for Eldon Celtic against the Jimmy Johnstone Academy at Eton College. I played, and the Academy invited me up to Scotland to play in a tournament, where we faced Rangers.

‘A guy at the Jimmy Johnstone Academy knew Bertie Auld and Bertie took an interest in me when I arrived. He showed me around Celtic Park and he helped me settle in.
‘Bertie’s a legend and people are in awe of him when they meet him, but he’s just a really down-to-earth guy.

2 Celtic fans arrested: Celtic fans backed by Lennon on Brentford trouble

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/celtic-fans-backed-by-lennon-on-brentford-trouble-1-3009224

CELTIC boss Neil Lennon has spoken out in support of the club’s fans in the wake of a pitch invasion at a pre-season friendly against Brentford on Saturday.

Flares were thrown onto the pitch during the game, which Celtic won 2-1. A number of fans had to be removed from the field by security, while some were seen trying to take down the goalposts

 Lennon, who was escorted from the field, spoke out in support of the fans. Talking to the Daily Telegraph, he described the supporters as “over-exuberant”.

“I would like them to maybe leave the flares out. But they were in good voice today and hopefully everyone’s gone home in a good mood.”

The Metropolitan Police said that two people were arrested at the game, for entering the pitch and alleged possession of Class A drugs respectively.

Celtic fans invade pitch and vandalise Brentford FC sprinkler system

Celtic fans turn on Drummer Lee Rigby with sick messages after English visit

Police hunt Celtic yobs who threw coins and fireworks

YOBS who threw coins and set off fireworks in shameful scenes at Celtic’s Boxing Day match are being hunted by police.

Police were called to clashes among the 3000-strong travelling support in the Bob Shankly stand at Dens Park.

The fighting had stopped before they arrived.

But they revealed yesterday that they are continuing to hunt down those responsible.

And they are also probing coin-throwing and firework offences.

The trouble-makers have been condemned by Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell and manager Neil Lennon. And the club have vowed to assist with police inquiries.

Five people have been reported to the procurator fiscal over alleged offences at the match.

One man, Dion McLeish, has appeared in court over alleged pro-IRA chanting and has been banned from Celtic away matches ahead of his trial.

Match commander Superintendent Jim Leslie said: “We are carrying out further inquiries to see if we can
identify the people fighting.

“We are also investigating coin-throwing and fireworks.

“What we had was an evening kick-off on Boxing Day where football fans had ample time to get through a lot of alcohol.”

He added that, although stewards would refuse entry to any obviously drunk people, the number of fans present at the sell-out match made it difficult for them.

He added: “It’s clear that there were people within the ground who had consumed alcohol and a number of offences were committed by fans in the Celtic end.”

Jim Thomson, Dundee’s operations manager, said after the game: “There was almost a full-scale riot. I had Celtic fans coming up to me to tell me they were embarrassed by their own fans’ behaviour.”

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/police-hunt-for-dundee-v-celtic-1512757

Eight people arrested after Celtic match at Tynecastle

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/203208-seven-people-arrested-after-hearts-v-celtic-match-at-tynecastle/

Eight people have been arrested following the match between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic.

Police arrested them at the clash at Tynescatle on Wednesday after "disruptive behaviour" in the stadium.

Six of the men, aged 30, 41, 43 and three 17-year-olds, are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday after being charged under the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act.

Two others, who were arrested over drunk and disorderly behaviour, have been released.

Match Commander Superintendant David Carradice said: "Our priority is everybody's safety and we will take action against the small number whose disruptive behaviour spoils the match for the decent fans.

“It is important to remember there was CCTV and video recording equipment within the ground. Working with our colleagues in the FOCUS unit, this will enable police to take action in the coming days to trace those responsible for unacceptable behaviour. "