Residents in the city centre have called for action to stop another weekend of ‘mayhem’ following Celtic’s title celebrations in the Trongate.

Community councils for the Merchant City, Trongate and Calton have appealed to football clubs and the authorities to act after locals and tourists were left ‘terrified and intimidated’ by anti-social behaviour. In a joint statement, the groups warned against a similar gathering as that on Saturday, May 18, and said that the club must shoulder the blame for the actions of its fans.

Residents raised concerns at a meeting of the councils over violence, street urination, damage to property and street furniture, and road closures. It comes after thousands of fans gathered in the Trongate area of the city after the club secured their third title in a row following a thrilling 3-2 win over St Mirren.

Celebrations were largely respectful, however, there were outbreaks of chaos with videos of violence posted to social media and reports of damage to city infrastructure.

Fans were pictured scaling the Mercat Cross building, as well as bus stops and traffic lights which were left in a state of disrepair. Mounds of litter were also left strewn across the streets, with piles of empty booze cans, bags, other rubbish, and broken glass covering much of the area around Glasgow Cross.

Glasgow City Council previously slammed some fans that left a trail of destruction in their wake for the “damage, disruption, and antisocial behaviour”. Glasgow Live reported yesterday how the 16th century Tolbooth Steeple was vandalised with green paint during the celebrations.

Paul Sweeney previously called for fan zones to be established to minimise disruption with the Scottish Labour MSP meeting with Celtic directors about “formalising events” to discourage street gatherings.

The community councils have now backed his calls with the groups urging Glasgow City Council and Rangers and Celtic to set up fan zones to stop further disorder

The two Community Councils said: “We do not want all this to happen again this Saturday in the city centre’s major tourism visitor and hospitality area following the Old Firm’s Scottish Cup clash at Hampden.

“Several foreign tourists told us they were appalled and horrified last weekend and that the scenes cast a shadow over Glasgow’s reputation as a friendly and welcoming city.

“We need a far firmer pre-emptive action plan led by all parties enforced by Police Scotland presence. After last Saturday’s match at Parkhead police were far too slow to show up and then failed to do anything significant to stop the crowds running amok.

“Celtic FC must shoulder much of the blame for that mayhem. It appears to show little or no concern for the local area or what their supporters do outwith the confines of Celtic Park.”

The residents’ associations said Celtic and Rangers football clubs, the police and Glasgow City Council “have the power to provide safe areas for fans and supporters and celebrate success without harm to themselves and others. Please use it.

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