CELTIC PARK RING OF STEEL

CELTIC will erect a massive security fence around Parkhead as they prepare for the Glasgow derby which is scheduled for a week on Sunday.

The Hoops hierarchy intend to protect the stadium over fears of attack following the rampage through Glasgow by Ibrox fans last weekend as they destructively celebrated their team’s first title success in a decade in a orgy of violence.

The ring of steel is being put in place as the potential powderkeg fixture hangs in the balance amid the belief thousands of supporters will head for the east end of Glasgow for the midday kick-off.

It is planned for the barrier to surround the ground to keep thugs at bay and block access to the nearby club superstore and the statue of legendary Lisbon Lions captain Billy McNeill.

The Govan club’s out-of-control support’s unacceptable behaviour on Saturday and Sunday at Ibrox and George Square smashed lockdown guidelines and sparked calls for the third Glasgow derby of the campaign to be scrapped, as CQN reported yesterday.

A Celtic spokesman said: “Following the events of last weekend we are enhancing security around the club’s property in the run up to the match.”

Last weekend’s chaotic and unruly scenes prompted First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to accuse Ibrox club bosses of a lack of leadership for not doing enough to prevent or disperse the illegal gatherings.

And she hit out again as she claimed the fans’ antics had left a “question mark” over whether it’s right to let football continue during a pandemic.

The Scottish Police Federation also warned of increased risks to officers as crisis talks continue over the match.

Dozens of cops on duty at the weekend were forced to Covid tests, with some still self-isolating as they await results.

Officers nicked 28 people in the city centre on Sunday, while seven were issued with fixed penalty notices or will be reported to the procurator fiscal.

Reasons given for the arrests included assaulting cops, breaching coronavirus regulations, disorder, use of flares and sectarian breaches of the peace.