Story perspectives

Police Arrest 14 Celtic Fans After Hearts Victory Celebration

5/18/2026

Summary

Police Arrest Fans

Police arrested 14 people after Celtic fans celebrated a Hearts victory in Glasgow.
Around 3,000 Celtic fans gathered in the Trongate and Glasgow Cross area after the win.
Police said officers were hit with missiles, including glass bottles, while responding to a medical emergency.
MSP Paul Sweeney urged clubs to fund a fan zone, called for a pitch-invasion ban, and blamed Celtic and Glasgow City Council for not planning.

Summary

Swinney Reviews Pitch

John Swinney, deputy First Minister, said the Scottish Government will review proposals to criminalise pitch invasions after the upcoming election in its football banning-order consultation.
He said responsibility for fan behaviour is shared with football authorities and measures will be coordinated with the Scottish Professional Football League and local clubs.
He noted earlier talks on a fan-zone scheme failed and pledged renewed work with Glasgow City Council to prevent incidents.

History

Historical Context

The 29 May 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster, in which 39 spectators died after Liverpool fans clashed with Juventus supporters, prompted UEFA to ban English clubs from European competition for five years. That ban reshaped security rules across the continent. Today, Deputy First Minister John Swinney and MSP Paul Sweeney cite Heysel while debating pitch-invasion bans after a violent Celtic celebration.

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Police Arrest Fans

Police arrested 14 people after Celtic fans celebrated a Hearts victory in Glasgow.
Around 3,000 Celtic fans gathered in the Trongate and Glasgow Cross area after the win.
Police said officers were hit with missiles, including glass bottles, while responding to a medical emergency.
MSP Paul Sweeney urged clubs to fund a fan zone, called for a pitch-invasion ban, and blamed Celtic and Glasgow City Council for not planning.

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