CCTV released of man cops wish to speak to about Old Firm assault

Daily Record

23-04-2025

A CCTV image of a man has been released as part of a police investigation into an assault at the recent Old Firm derby at Celtic Park . The force is searching for a man who they believe may be able to assist them with their ongoing investigation into an assault that occurred at the Celtic versus Rangers match on Sunday, March 16, at Parkhead stadium, at around 2.20pm. The man has been described as white, bald and wearing a light-coloured top. Constable Kevin Davidson of the Greater Glasgow Football Enquiry Unit said: 'We are keen to talk to the man in the image as we believe he may have information which could assist with our enquiries. I would encourage him or anyone who may recognise him to contact us.' Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 0758 of 16 March, 2025. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. We recently reported that a group of Old Firm ultras were reported to the Procurator Fiscal after refusing to be searched by police upon entry to Celtic Park on March 16. The group of 90, who had concealed their identity, were denied entry to the stadium ahead of the Celtic v Rangers derby. They were knocked back after refusing to be searched by cops after Police Scotland enforced stop and search powers. The Section 60, Criminal Justice and Public Order Act , allows officers to search individuals for weapons and remove items used to hide identities. It was the opinion of officers that they posed a threat to the safety of people within the stadium and to the public due to possible possession of weapons and pyrotechnics. Cops say pyrotechnics were disposed of and set off causing a fire - endangering both the public and officers. All 90 people were reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to contraventions of Section 60 . Separately, there was one arrest made during the fixture. A 20-year-old man was arrested and charged for alleged police assault on approach to the stadium. A second man, aged 46, was the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal for allegedly being in possession of a pyrotechnic . Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, who led the policing operation, said: "Again, the vast majority of fans were simply there to enjoy the match and I would thank them for their good conduct. It was necessary to apply containment tactics to maintain public safety and deal effectively with those intent on disruption or non-compliance with relevant legislation, including powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 . "As a result, some groups of supporters missed the game , but that was their choice. Our priority is and always will be the safety of fans in and around the stadium and the general public in the wider city. To support that, enforcement of Section 60 and other legislation was undertaken proportionately, with search powers being enacted in a targeted manner. "Non-compliance with the Section 60 powers resulted in 90 people being reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Others have been arrested or reported for other offences, including the assault of a police officer. A significant number of pyrotechnics were seized or prevented from entering the stadium, which again demonstrates the disregard that some supporters have for the safety of others. "We will continue to work with partners, including the clubs , to improve safety and order and to ensure that the sporting event is the real focus."