An MSP representing Glasgow Shettleston has strongly condemned the unsanctioned Celtic title celebration that drew fans to the city center’s Trongate area following Saturday’s Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park.

Organized by unofficial fan groups like The Green Brigade, the event attracted thousands of supporters to Glasgow Cross to revel in Celtic’s league championship triumph, sealed at Rugby Park days before and solidified by a 3-2 home victory that afternoon.

Addressing the Scottish Parliament, MSP John Mason raised concerns over the alleged injuries sustained by four police officers during the celebration, as well as the reported arrests of 19 individuals. He decried the disruptive nature of the gathering, highlighting the blockage of a major road junction in Glasgow that forced the Tron theatre to call off its performances that evening. Mason also described witnessing inappropriate behavior, including people urinating in public and residents feeling unsafe in their own neighborhood.

In response, Siobhian Brown, the Scottish Government’s minister for victims and community safety, echoed Mason’s sentiments, underscoring the financial costs associated with such events. She noted that while the exact expenses from Saturday’s activities were still unknown, last year’s clean-up following a similar celebration was estimated at £34,000.

Looking forward, Mason suggested that clubs should assume more responsibility for their fans, proposing the implementation of measures like fan zones and strict liability policies, including potential penalties such as partial stadium closures, points deductions, and fines—a practice common in European football.