Should There Be a Clear Strategy for Future Title Winner Celebrations?

Celtic FC Fans have not covered themselves in glory for their title celebrations last weekend. Around 25,000 people took to the streets, after their last match of the season against St Mirren, in the East End of Glasgow.

The chaos that ensued has left the city in disarray. Bus shelters and traffic lights were damaged. Business premises on the Tron Gate, also took the brunt of the action with many closing entirely on Saturday. Paul Goodwin, co-founder of the SFSA, said it was “Very disappointing that what should be a happy day, celebration for a certain set of fans ends up a bit of a mess”.  

Celtic fans celebrate in the streets after league title win

Four officers were injured and 19 people arrested during celebrations - pyrotechnic and alcohol-related. Medical treatment was given to the officers and any surge of casualties were managed by increased hospital workers on shift.

In 2021, Rangers FC title win brought similar chaos to George Square in Glasgow. Pyrotechnics and alcohol were the main culprits again as arrests were made. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon branded it as “infuriating and disgraceful”. This was on the tail end of the COVID lockdowns. The gathering crowds were against government guidelines.    

Changes are required. The leash is too relaxed on title and cup winner clubs. Major communication problems, between club and fans, need solutions. Paul Goodwin stated “we are not very good at in terms of engagement with the supporters” and there have been “issues with their own fan bases over the past years. We have to have dialogue” and a “proposition put to them”.  

Who should be responsible in organising future events

Perhaps it should be Glasgow City Council. Maybe Celtic take the reins. Reliable ownership is needed. The fans can organise over social media but this leads to chaos. “Lets get it organised, people need to sit around the table and decide what’s the best way forward so it can be paid for by people coming from football” mentioned Paul.

Where would the event take place

“Depends on the where and when and the cost. How much more celebration do you need. Could make it into an event. Stop some of the silliness” said Paul. There are several locations that are ideal. Stadiums would be the go-to initially. Paul was “Old enough to remember Celtic winning titles under Jock Stein. There was a lap of honour around the park and then they went home and did their own thing”. It does sound like a safe alternative.    

Fan zones are an option. Specially designed for football fans. Cologne Heumarkt German fan zone for Euro 2024 may be worth imitating. They will have free entry and activities that cater for all ages. Capacity is set at 12,500 people. “one in, one out” system applies if it becomes full. Restricted items will be removed from public viewing area.

Glasgow Green can hold a similar event for happy crowds. Music, food and alcohol on offer. Strict containment can be achieved. TRNSMT festival promotes staying safe and is located in Glasgow Green. Welfare, medical support and wellbeing are all championed. Fans of all ages would be able to enjoy this.

Social media plays a huge role

“It’s going to be with us for a while because Social Media is not going away” and “Celtic and Rangers winning titles is not going away” says Paul. Online platforms are “undoubtedly a new phenomena.” Pubs and gatherings in the City Centre of Glasgow remain prevalent on Social Media. X media outlet houses promotions for establishments, such as Malone’s: “TITLE PARTY TIME LIVE IN Malones Glasgow, Doors open 6.30pm”. It gives precedent to alcohol-fuelled antics. “If it’s not going away then it needs to be controlled and managed” Paul concludes. 

The use of online platforms can be coordinated between organisers and fans. It would take a collective effort to band together. One massive event may not appeal to the masses. Older audiences might not access all platforms. Restrictions may feel too suffocating. It is up to the organisers to successfully promote it. Safety is paramount. The most influential of X and Facebook platform users would have a big say also. Their marketing could sway agendas.

It is the “Scottish Football Association and Scottish Premier Football League that take money from fans and need to look after fans to think about what their needs are” wrote Paul. They have a huge task if they stepped in. Penalties, fines or point deductions may be a deterrent for celebrations. A trickle effect may come down all the way to the fans. Threats could be an ultimatum for fans to behave themselves. Withholding funds from winning clubs could ignite a need for change. It is time to be responsible. Take the necessary measures to enjoy festivities safely.