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Expanding on Ian's headline above ...

 

 

 

By Paul O'Hare Two fans held as police launch series of dawn raids against thugs involved in shameful scenes of vandalism and flare-throwing at Fir Park 19 Dec 2013 07:29

A MOTHERWELL and a Celtic fan, aged 16 and 23, were arrested in yesterday's early morning raids. And police warn there could be more over the Christmas period.

POLICE yesterday launched a series of dawn raids against thugs who disgraced Scottish football at the Fir Park shame game. Two men were arrested as officers warned the yobs responsible for appalling scenes at the Motherwell-Celtic match: “We’re coming to get you over Christmas.”

The police chief leading the investigation said they planned to swoop on the homes of a further 20 fans. And Superintendent Glen Bland warned there could be many more. He said: “This is just phase one. It is an ongoing operation and it will continue over Christmas.”

A Motherwell and a Celtic fan, aged 16 and 23, were arrested in yesterday’s early morning raids in Lanarkshire and Glasgow.

Celtic fans at the December 6 match let off smoke bombs and flares. Two smoke bombs were thrown on to the pitch. Renegade Hoops supporters, sitting next to a Green Brigade banner, ripped up 200 seats in the South Stand.

And police were forced to separate fans from both clubs outside the stadium as they tried to fight each other. Detectives have been examining CCTV footage, TV coverage and internet video of the carnage, as well as taking statements from ordinary fans disgusted by the hooligans’ behaviour.

Officers had already arrested five supporters from both clubs, aged 16 to 21, and two suspects have appeared in court. But yesterday marked the start of a new chapter in the operation.

Supt Bland said: “We are looking at both camps and we will not tolerate this sort of criminal behaviour. “The majority of fans are decent, hard-working people. We are looking at 20 people at the moment but we are still trying to identify others who were involved.”

Celtic condemned the Fir Park scenes and suspended 128 supporters from all their games in response.

The club also effectively disbanded the Green Brigade by cancelling the season tickets of 250 fans in Section 111 at Parkhead and offering them seats elsewhere.

The club were fined £42,000 by UEFA last week for a Green Brigade banner display linking William Wallace and IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands. The stunt at last month’s Champions League game with AC Milan was the latest in a series of protests by the “ultras” group.

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http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/article5339147.ece

 

CELTIC have lifted bans on most of the under-fire Green Brigade amid a probe into this month’s Fir Park rampage.

The club has written to the majority of 128 suspended fans telling them they can come back — for now.

 

I wish I could say I was surprised by this climb-down. But I'm not. Give them all a tour of the Piggery while you're at it Liewell.

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Flags and banners banned for Celtic - St Johnstone

 

FANS will be banned from bringing flags or banners to McDiarmid Park when St Johnstone take on Celtic on Boxing Day.

 

The game is Celtic’s first away domestic fixture since the game against Motherwell which saw extensive damage to the away end at Fir Park. Two smoke bombs were also thrown onto the pitch from the Celtic fans’ section.

 

Some of those suspected of causing the damage were arrested in dawn raids last week.

 

Statement

 

In a statement on their official website, St Johnstone said: “Supporters will be aware that, regrettably, there has been a significant increase in the letting off of flares, smoke bombs and other pyrotechnics at games across the country this season.

 

“These are inherently unsafe not only for those around the devices but also for spectators in general, particularly those who suffer from breathing disorders. They also have the potential to set seats alight and cause flags to burn.

 

“St Johnstone FC and Celtic FC fully support Police Scotland in their attempts to eradicate this nuisance from our game and… as there have been several instances of flags being used as cover for the igniting of these devices, a decision has been taken that for this specific fixture flags and banners will not be permitted inside McDiarmid Park.”

 

Police

 

The Police Match Commander Superintendent Kevin Lynch said: “We welcome both sets of supporters for what we are sure will be an excellent sporting event. We hope that they all enjoy themselves and we will be there to help keep them safe.

 

“The police and both clubs expect everyone to enjoy the occasion in the right way and abide by the law, as well as the ground regulations. We will be on hand to assist them where required and, where necessary, to deal effectively with anyone who is involved in disorder or other criminal behaviour.

 

“Those attending the game, as well as the local community, can rest assured that we will deal effectively with any incidents and put offenders before the courts.”

 

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/flags-and-banners-banned-for-celtic-st-johnstone-1-3242456

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http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/article5339147.ece

 

CELTIC have lifted bans on most of the under-fire Green Brigade amid a probe into this month’s Fir Park rampage.

The club has written to the majority of 128 suspended fans telling them they can come back — for now.

 

Ha ha. So ban them for a game as a pretence at sanctions.

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