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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Rory Cassidy

Celtic fans urged to avoid Parkhead demo by cops - and to protest online instead

Scots cops have urged Celtic fans to avoid a planned protest at Parkhead this weekend - to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

A demonstration is set to take place at Celtic Park on Sunday, following a dismal run of form for Neil Lennon's men.

But Police Scotland has urged fans to protest online instead - warning they will police the event in a "measured and appropriate" way, but "will use enforcement where required".

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland reminded fans that gatherings like Sunday's planned protest are currently banned due to level-four coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Police outside Celtic Park during a protest over Neil Lennon's managerial reign (Getty Images)

Three officers were injured as violent scenes were played out last weekend as angry fans clashed with officers following their side's 2-0 home League Cup defeat to Ross County.

A 22-year-man man was arrested in the melee, as fans called for  under-fire  manager Neil Lennon to quit.

The male is expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.

Things looked to be on the up for the Hoops as they raced in to a 2-0 lead against AC Milan after just 15 minutes in the Europa League tie last night.

But the Italian giants stormed back to seal a 4-2 victory - and leave Lennon with only two wins from Celtic's last 11 games.

Today, Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, of Police Scotland's Greater Glasgow Division, said: "We are aware of a proposed demonstration outside Celtic Park on Sunday, 6 December, 2020, and would urge people to find alternative ways to protest, such as online, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"The Scottish Government regulations are quite clear that these types of protest are prohibited in areas under level four restrictions.

"Officers will continue to police these types of event using the 4Es approach of engaging with those taking part and explaining the restrictions in place to save lives.

"Our response will be measured and appropriate but we will use enforcement where required."

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