Celtic Warns Fans on Safety as St. Mirren Match Nears: Police Brace for Crowd Control

Celtic's Appeal: Keep the Celebrations Safe

Celtic Football Club isn’t taking any chances this year. With the buzz already building for their Scottish Premiership match against St. Mirren on May 17, 2025, they’ve taken a bold step and warned fans to celebrate with caution—and, importantly, to avoid forming big crowds in public spaces.

The message comes after last May’s chaos, when jubilant crowds poured into Glasgow Cross. The scenes were anything but the happy celebration the club would have wanted. Nineteen arrests. Four police officers injured. Busy streets blocked. Businesses forced to close early. Even ambulances had to fight through the crowds to attend emergencies. Those memories are fresh for both Celtic and law enforcement.

Police and Club Coordination: Avoid the Hotspots

Police Scotland is gearing up for this Friday with what they call a "coordinated policing plan". Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said the aim is pretty clear—keep people safe and prevent a rerun of last year’s mess. Officers have been working behind the scenes, talking to city officials, transport services, and local business owners to make sure everyone knows what’s coming. If crowds ignore the warnings and gather anyway, police plan to step in quickly, focusing on safety over spectacle.

The club went a step further by explaining why these unlicensed celebrations pose real risks. If there’s no event permit, there’s no built-in safety infrastructure: no fenced-off areas, toilets, or first-aid staff. That puts pressure on the emergency services, who end up stretched thin. A crowded main street—even one packed with happy supporters—makes it tougher for medics to get to someone in distress or for officers to control a situation if it sours.

Celtic’s statement didn’t hold back on the potential downsides. They pointed out how unofficial celebrations have a habit of spiraling into disruption—not just for fans, but for the entire local community. It’s not hard to imagine the knock-on effects: local shops and cafes shutting early, parents worried about their kids in the crowds, and essential vehicles unable to get through the city center.

This year, the club is working with all sorts of community stakeholders—residents’ groups, retailers, local politicians—to reinforce their message. They’ve made it clear: celebrate, but do it safely. Stay away from informal street gatherings and stick to safer, organized events or private spaces with friends and family. Fans have been urged to think about the wider ramifications, not just the excitement in the moment.

Celtic, as one of Scotland’s top football clubs, wants its legacy tied to joy and unity, not incidents that threaten public safety or damage the city’s reputation. The hope is that clear communication and a united front with police and local leaders will bring about a better, safer atmosphere for everyone involved when the match day arrives.