Celtic are to erect a new ‘ring of steel’ around Parkhead before next weekend’s Old Firm derby over fears of crowds gathering outside before and after the game.
Rangers fans took to the streets and Glasgow’s George Square to celebrate their Scottish Premiership title win, breaching lockdown restrictions and earning widespread condemnation.
The Parkhead faithful also gathered to mark The Hoops Scottish Cup victory in December, despite being instructed otherwise, while simmering tensions between fans and the board last year prompted angry protests during which players and coaches were pelted with missiles.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon criticised Rangers for not doing enough to prevent fans from congregating, sparking some concern the third Old Firm clash of the season could be called off.
Celtic hope to avoid repeat scenes by putting up a perimeter fence surrounding the stadium across the weekend.
A Celtic spokesman told The Sun: “Following the events of last weekend we are enhancing security around the club’s property in the run up to the match.”
Police chiefs have also demanded assurances from both clubs that measures will be taken to prevent supporters from gathering after 28 people were arrested during a ten-hour celebration in Glasgow’s city centre.
Several officers were assaulted, while several others are in self-isolation as they await results of COVID tests.
