Two police officers ‘seriously injured’ and 14 arrests during Celtic disorder

Celtic secured their fifth successive Scottish Premiership title on May 16, 2026, following a 3-1 victory over Heart of Midlothian. The achievement was marked by significant disorder in Glasgow, leaving two police officers seriously injured and resulting in multiple arrests.

Approximately 3,000 fans gathered in the Trongate area of Glasgow following the play-off match. Police Scotland reported that while the initial atmosphere was lively, featuring the use of green flares and drinking, the mood shifted in the early evening.

The situation escalated when police officers assisting paramedics with a medical emergency in the crowd were pelted with bottles. Riot police were subsequently deployed to disperse the gathering.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland confirmed that two officers suffered serious injuries during the unrest. One officer sustained facial injuries, while another suffered bruising to his body after being struck by bottles.

I’m so grateful that only two officers have suffered serious injury

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland

Police Scotland conducted 14 arrests within Glasgow, with 10 arrests made in the Trongate area and four at Celtic Park. An additional four people were arrested in Edinburgh in connection with the events.

Sutherland expressed that he was disgusted and frustrated by the violence directed toward the officers. He stated that Celtic FC needed to step forward to ensure that similar disorder is not repeated next year, and police have called on the club to assist in organizing more controlled fan events in the future.

A major incident portal has been established as part of the ongoing investigation. Police are urging members of the public to upload any photographs or footage captured in the Parkhead or Trongate areas that may be useful to authorities.

Police Scotland indicated that further arrests are expected as investigators continue to review CCTV footage from the scenes of the disorder.