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Celtic fans rally in George Square

John Lanigan | 06.04.2013 22:23

Celtic fans rally to protest against the Offensive Behaviour at Football Bill. The rally was organised by Fans Against Criminalisation an organisation of the Celtic Fans Groups.

Celtic fans in George Square
Celtic fans in George Square


Thousands of Celtic fans packed into Glasgow's George Square today to attend a rally organised by Fans Against Criminalisation - an organisation of the Celtic Fans Groups.
The fans were protesting about the Offensive Behaviour at Football Bill which they say is criminalising fans for harmless activity.
Last month an unofficial march that was organised by the Green Brigade resulted in 13 arrests and accusations of heavy handed policing.
Speakers at the rally in Glasgow today repeated the warning that had earlier been issued by the Police, that if fans did not keep to the pavements on their way to the Celtic versus Hibernian match at Celtic Park today, they would be arrested.
While permission was given by the City Council for today's rally in Geoorge Square there was no permission for a march to Celtic Park.

After the rally fans left the Square and headed down various streets leading to Glasgow Cross. Here fans converged and took to the Gallowgate en masse. In a show of solidarity fans marched from Glasgow Cross all the way to Celtic Park. By contrast there was limited policing along the route with very few police walking beside the fans as they marched unofficially along one side of the road.
There was no sign of drunkeness, disorderly conduct or other incident on the journey to Celtic Park, and no arrests. It's clear that following todays event, and the support that it received, means that opposition to the Bill will continue.

John Lanigan