A YOUNG man was attacked ahead of the Old Firm clash in Glasgow yesterday – while a police officer was also left injured following a separate incident.
Police are carrying out enquiries after disorder in the city on Sunday, December 15, before the Rangers v Celtic Cup Final at Hampden Park.
Footage shared online showed Celtic and Rangers ultras battling in the city centre ahead of the game.
Fans were also filmed running down Argyle Street wearing Santa hats as they clashed with balaclava-clad rival supporters and the police.
The scenes were apparently filmed on the busy street, with onlookers forced to take refuge in doorways, as shop staff locked the front doors of their premises.
A video of the incident showed police struggling to deal with the large presence of football supporters.
Elsewhere, police also received reports of windows being smashed at a premises on Howard Street at around 12.30pm and an investigation is now underway to track down the culprits.
Meanwhile, in a video which has been widely shared on social media, a hooligan could be seen lobbing a flare into a pub which is believed to be on Howard Street.
On top of those incidents, at around 12.55pm, officers received a report of a 26-year-old man having been seriously assaulted in the Argyle Street area.
He was rushed to hospital for treatment and enquiries into the brutal attack are ongoing.
Due to the serious disorder, a Superintendent of Police Scotland authorised officers to use special powers available under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994.
The Section 60 stop and search power remained in force until 9pm on Sunday.
Meanwhile, during the match, a 41-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an alleged drugs offence.
A 30-year-old man was also arrested and charged in connection with allegedly being in possession of a pyrotechnic.
Both men will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan said: "We dealt with a number of incidents in Glasgow city centre involving individuals engaging in disorder and violence.
"Our enquiries are ongoing to identify those who were involved and we will take appropriate action against them.
"I urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to contact us.
"I want to make it clear that the use of weapons and violence will not be tolerated and retrospective enquiries are being carried out.
"We are following a number of lines of investigation, including reviewing CCTV and footage on social media.
"I would like to thank the majority of fans for their conduct throughout the day."
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Enquiries into these incidents are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1100 of December 15, or call anonymously Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
