Four Celtic fans jailed after Old Firm city centre riot

Four Celtic supporters have been jailed after violence broke out between rival fans before an Old Firm League Cup final in 2024.

Andrew Campbell, 29, John Devine, 28, Thomas Slavin, 27, and Liam Coogans, 29, were involved in the mass disturbance with Rangers fans in Glasgow city centre.

Campbell and Devine, from Glasgow, were each sentenced to 18 months in prison and banned from attending football matches for eight years.

Slavin, from Glasgow, and Coogans, from Larkhall were jailed for a year and banned from attending matches for four years.

During sentencing at Glasgow Sheriff Court, judge Andrew McIntyre said "football-related crime is a serious and longstanding problem" and its development is "serious and worrying".

He said: "The disturbance in which you were each involved caused, not only disruption, but fear and alarm for people - both adults and children - going about their business in the city centre on a busy Sunday in the lead up to Christmas.

"This conduct was an embarrassment to the city and to your team."

The court previously heard that a group of Rangers fans attended Connolly's Irish Bar in the Merchant City which is frequented by Celtic supporters on December 15 2024, while a group of Celtic fans which included Campbell, Devine, Slavin and Coogans made their way into the city centre from the Gallowgate area.

Prosecutor Josh Dowie said: "Members of the public were forced to flee and take refuge in nearby shop premises.

"Officers walking alongside the Celtic fans had their batons drawn and gave orders to desist in their advancement towards the Rangers supporters.

"However, these orders were ignored and the group of Celtic supporters became hostile towards them."

Both rival groups advanced towards each other on Dunlop Street and were separated by less than 500 metres.

Dowie added: "Both groups then came together, challenging each other to fight and a mass disorder took place.

"During the disorder, the Celtic fans threw bricks, lit fireworks, bottles and other items at the Rangers supporters."

Members of the public who looked on were stated to be "frightened and scared."

The riot also spilled onto the roads which stopped vehicles from being able to move.

Dowie added: "Campbell walked to the front of the group, turned and raised his hands above his head and began to clap towards the other Celtic supporters.

"Devine proceeded along Argyle Street, approached opposing supporters with his arms outstretched whilst encouraging others to continue the disorder.

"Slavin, Devine, Coogans and Campbell then left."

The disorder continued in front of women and young children who had to find refuge in nearby shops.

Another witness stated that a Rangers fan fell within the group and was being kicked and assaulted by the Celtic supporters.

A police cordon was put in place to separate both sets of fans.

The Rangers fans were put on a train to Mount Florida to attend the game while the Celtic fans were marched to Hampden Park by police officers.

A CCTV investigation led to the four Celtic fans being identified and arrested.

Devine's phone was seized and analysed by officers.

He received a text from an unknown person saying: "Walking through town to the game. Hopefully get something with the Huns on way there."

Devine replied: "Aye defo bro, I'll be there just let me know times and that."

He was asked the next day if he knew anyone who wanted to "box" as "heavy chance we bump into them Sunday morning."

Devine responded: "Right bro I'll ask about, see who's up for it, I'll be about all weekend anyhow mate so just keep me posted."

Sheriff McIntyre continued: "Such was the scale of these riots that they challenged the ability of the police to maintain law and order, and thus public safety, on the streets of Glasgow."

The judge added: "I consider that to impose community sentences in these cases would risk emboldening those who, for one reason or another, enjoy taking part in football-related rioting and might be tempted to do so in the future.

"It should be widely understood that, if you choose to riot through the streets of Glasgow, then a prison sentence is highly likely."

Ch Sup Emma Croft, divisional commander for Greater Glasgow, called the behaviour of the men "deplorable".

She said: "I hope their convictions, sentencings and football banning orders imposed by the court send a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

"Acting as part of a large group will not stop us identifying you and bringing you before the courts to face justice.

"This serves as a timely reminder that more action does need to be taken to address the root causes of such heinous behaviours."

She added the outcome was particularly welcomed after more "ugly scenes" in the Trongate area of Glasgow after Celtic won the league on Saturday.