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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Sarah Hilley

Celtic and Rangers ultras' graffiti war in East End leads to call for police help

Police have been asked to tackle a growing problem of graffiti being posted by Rangers and Celtic 'ultra' fan groups in the East End of Glasgow.

A councillor said that around “400 metres” of football fan graffiti had been removed from the area over the summer.

Councillor David Turner said slogans related to the Green Brigade, Union Bears and 55 have been appearing in Baillieston.

The SNP politician said: “In the last few summer months I have reported an increased amount of graffiti in the Baillieston ward to the council to get cleared up.”

He asked if Police Scotland could deal with the spray paint problem in the area during the Baillieston Area Partnership meeting on Tuesday, August 10.

Councillor Turner said: “There must have been over 400 metres of graffiti removed in the last two or three months.”

The politician said it was emblazoned on buildings and pavements and wanted to know if there is activity to deal with the graffiti in the area.

Police Sergeant Edward McNeil said: “It all seems to happen overnight when there are very few people on the streets. They can come and within 30 seconds they have done whatever and are gone - moved on to the next place. It is very difficult to police that.”

Sergeant McNeil asked Councillor Turner to send him details about the issue.

Martin Lundie, council operations managers for community safety, said the graffiti team will “prioritise” sectarian slogans.

He said: “Graffiti is on the radar at the minute right across the city and it is not just about cleaning it but also identifying those responsible.”

Mr Lundie said: “The graffiti team was impacted by Covid so response times were taking slightly longer. But we have always been really good at getting to graffiti.”

Incidents can be reported to the Glasgow City Council Graffiti Removal Service.

The staff also remove graffiti while on patrol according to the council website.

The team aim to remove it within 20 working days and offensive material within two.

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