Celtic have released the findings of the Fairhurst Independent Review into the policing of supporters ahead of the match against Rangers on Sunday, March 16.
The club engaged independent safety and event consultants Fairhurst to review concerns over the safety of supporters outside the ground before the derby fixture.
More than 200 submissions were made to Fairhurst over incidents ahead of the Scottish Premiership match - where 2,500 Rangers supporters were in attendance after the away fan lockout was resolved between the clubs.
The review has noted ten 'identified questions' with five relevant to Celtic Football Club. The report will also be shared directly with Police Scotland.
You can read the full 93-page review HERE.
Hundreds of Celtic fans are currently being detained in a kettle on London Road and refused access to the stadium for no reason. pic.twitter.com/9qYeKJG4Mm
— North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) March 16, 2025
Answering the five questions directed to Celtic, a club statement reads: "Did Celtic and Police Scotland collaborate on the subject of supporter detentions in the pre-planning phase of the policing operation, either in meetings, correspondence, discussion or any other form of information exchange?Celtic FC: Absolutely not. Celtic had no knowledge of or involvement in this police operation.
- Were Celtic made aware at any stage prior to the policing operations taking place, about the intention of Police Scotland to detain groups of supporters?Celtic FC: At no time was the Club made aware of this police operation prior to it taking place.
- Reflecting upon arrangements of 16.03.25 and taking cognisance of the feedback provided, if true, were the communications issued by both Celtic and Police Scotland still considered to be accurate and were the communication methods used still considered to be appropriate, and have any learnings been identified?Celtic FC: Celtic Football Club has no role or involvement in policing operations away from Celtic Park and this was absolutely the case with reference to this operation. The Club stands by the statements issued on its website following the operation. While the police operation was ongoing, the Club could have issued information through its own channels to assist in highlighting the road closure which had developed, had it received such information from Police Scotland at the time. The Club will explore with Police Scotland how this might be improved in the future.
- Why were away supporters apparently prioritised over home supporters in being facilitated access into the stadium ( and leading to a number of home supporters being held and subjected to verbal abuse from opposition fans), after the specified time windows communicated to both sets of supporters in pre match communications?Celtic FC: The decision to allow the entry of away fans to the stadium was made by Police Scotland. The Club accepts that this led to a negative experience for a number of Celtic supporters, which is regrettable. The Club will explore with Police Scotland how this might be avoided in the future.
- What steps can be taken, if any, to help re-build the apparent breakdown in trust between supporters, Police Scotland and the Club?Celtic FC: Our primary concern will always be for the safety and well-being of our supporters attending matches and this will require cooperation among all stakeholders involved, including Police Scotland. Celtic will work with all parties to seek to ensure that positive liaison and engagement can take place between the Club, supporters and Police Scotland going forward. The Club will seek to meet with Police Scotland once they have had an opportunity to consider this report."
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Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson commented: “A number of significant concerns have been raised regarding police actions on 16 March, concerns which I share and which the Club will seek to address with Police Scotland.
"As the Club has already made clear, Celtic supporters should feel safe when attending - and travelling to - football matches. Just as supporters should behave safely and responsibly both inside and outside of football stadia, so too they should be confident at all times that they themselves will be treated fairly.
“Lessons must be learned from the feedback received and the questions identified should be addressed. The Club firmly believes that all parties must work together to ensure that this is the case.
“Celtic has already sought, through the SPFL, to engage in wider discussion with regard to the concerns raised by supporters concerning policing of football in Scotland and we look forward to these discussions progressing."
