Five arrested over Celtic - Motherwell flares

FIVE people have been arrested in connection with crowd trouble at the Motherwell v Celtic game last week.

Celtic fans throw flares on to the pitch before the game at Fir Park. Picture: PA

A reported £10,000 of damage was caused to seats in a section housing Celtic fans, a flare was let off in the same area before the game and two green smoke bombs were thrown on to the pitch during the match at Fir Park stadium on Friday.

Celtic said they were “appalled’” by the actions and banned 128 fans from Parkhead, while 250 season-ticket holders seated in the Green Brigade’s corner of Celtic Park are to be moved to other parts of the ground.

Police said 18 smoke bombs, three fireworks and one flare were set off.

There were also disturbances and vandalism in Motherwell both before and after the game.

Officers said five people were arrested in connection with the disorder on Monday and inquiries are continuing.

The incident was the latest in a spate of trouble at Scottish football matches.

A teenage girl was arrested after a flare was thrown from the Rangers support after their win at Falkirk on November 30, damaging the pitch, and a smoke bomb was thrown from the Motherwell support during their defeat by Albion Rovers on the same day.

Last Saturday, 10 people were arrested in connection with football-related disorder before the Falkirk v Raith Rovers match.