To ask the Scottish Government what its response is regarding any implications for community safety to the events that occurred in Trongate, Glasgow, following Celtic Football Club’s league title win. (S6T-01996)

The Scottish Government condemns the incidents of violence, vandalism and antisocial behaviour that took place in Glasgow on Saturday. Any threat to public safety and any damage that was caused as a result of that disorder is not acceptable.

We fully support Police Scotland and other emergency services, and thank them for their response. We also support Glasgow City Council, which was left to clear up the rubbish and damage. I appreciate the help that Celtic fans gave in the aftermath as well as the engagement that has taken place with football clubs to prevent future incidents.

Although the vast Majority of fans are well behaved, it is clear that, when a minority are not, there are wide-ranging implications. Governing bodies and individual clubs must consider what measures they can take and how they can use their influence to help to tackle misconduct.

The Minister has already been quite strong in her condemnation of what happened, but does she agree that it is unacceptable that a major road junction in Glasgow was completely blocked to buses and other traffic? The Tron theatre had to cancel its performance that evening. Allegedly, four police officers were injured and the Glasgow royal infirmary accident and emergency department was completely swamped. I walked in the area at 6.30 on Saturday and I saw people urinating in pends and closes. Residents were afraid to leave their homes.

I agree 100 per cent with the member. It is absolutely unacceptable that businesses had to close, that public property was damaged, that people were not able to go about their business and, indeed, that people were injured. There is no reason why a celebration should degenerate into disorder, cause damage to property and result in loss of custom and business, as well as, of course, the cost to the public purse in terms of policing, the national health service response and the clean-up afterwards. Although I do not know the full cost yet for the council, I understand that last year’s clean-up cost amounted to more than £34,000. Police Scotland has confirmed that it will continue to work to identify those who are responsible to bring them to justice.

Looking ahead, does the Minister agree that clubs need to get more involved in taking responsibility for their fans? Does she agree that consideration should be given to whether, for example, they should organise fan zones and whether they should be subject to strict liability, which could include partial stadium closures, points deductions and fines, as happens in Europe? Can she give any reassurance that the clubs will take responsibility for their fans’ behaviour this coming Saturday?

We will continue to work with football authorities, Police Scotland and fan groups to address the issues and ensure that football matches are an enjoyable experience for everyone during the game and afterwards.

We have never ruled out strict liability as an option for incidents at football within stadiums. However, our preferred solution has always been that the football authorities proactively shape and deliver a robust and meaningful solution to tackle any unacceptable conduct by a minority of supporters. I understand that Glasgow City Council has had discussions with clubs to discuss organised celebrations, and I fully encourage such dialogue between football clubs and local authorities about conducting safe events for their fans, which minimise the impact on the community.

I was struck by the stark contrast between Arsenal’s trophy parade and celebrations after winning the premiership in England, where the club worked in conjunction with Islington Council in London, and what happened in Glasgow. Celtic and Rangers Football Club both contribute around £250 million to the Scottish economy every year. They are two of the biggest sporting brands in the world. Will the Government convene a meeting of key stakeholders to build capability for this showcase event for Glasgow and build it as an annual celebration that we can be proud of instead of ashamed of?

First, I have been told that it was Manchester City that won down south.

Yes, I can confirm that we will endeavour to work with all authorities to ensure that such events are showcased.