Police warning for travelling Celtic fans

Published on Tuesday 3 November 2009 21:50

STRATHCLYDE Police have warned Celtic fans to be on their guard against notorious German hooligans ahead of tomorrow night's Europa League clash in Hamburg.

Officers in Scotland and Germany fear a repeat of the trouble which flared around Glasgow city centre before the teams met two weeks ago.

Many among the Hamburg support at Parkhead chanted Rangers songs and wore the Ibrox colours to taunt the home support. And fans of Hamburg's own city rivals, St Pauli – who have longstanding links to Celtic – are also expected in the streets in large numbers, adding to the tension.

St Pauli fans, many of whom travel to Glasgow regularly to watch Celtic, are expected to throw a party for visiting fans in the city's Reeperbahn red light district. Around 3,000 Celtic supporters are expected in Germany for the game.

There was trouble involving St Pauli fans on Monday when police used a water cannon to overcome riots after a Second Division game and detained 23 people. Twenty-seven officers were hurt.

The police reacted when about 500 violent supporters of Hansa Rostock tried to breach a police barrier and threw bottles and firecrackers after their club had lost to visiting St Pauli 2-0. About 1,500 police were on hand for the game between the clubs whose supporters have a history of skirmishes.

A Strathclyde Police spokesman said: "In line with normal procedures, Strathclyde Police will be sending a team of officers headed by a superintendent to Hamburg for this game. The Strathclyde Police role is to liaise with the police in Hamburg and assist the local policing operation. The officers will be identifiable by carrying their official warrant cards and will also be available to provide general advice to the Celtic supporters."