Police study CCTV from under 17s Old Firm clash

POLICE say they are studying CCTV footage from a football ground where three fans were arrested at a youth cup final between Glasgow rivals Rangers and Celtic.
Fans let off flares during the under-17s cup final between Rangers and Celtic at Firhill Stadium. Picture: SNSFans let off flares during the under-17s cup final between Rangers and Celtic at Firhill Stadium. Picture: SNS
Fans let off flares during the under-17s cup final between Rangers and Celtic at Firhill Stadium. Picture: SNS

Last night’s Glasgow Cup under-17s fixture at Firhill Park, the home of Partick Thistle FC, was the first meeting of the Old Firm since Rangers were relegated to the Third Division.

Kick-off was reportedly delayed as supporters set off flares and smoke bombs and damaged seats in the stands.

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Police Scotland said three arrests were made at the game which Rangers won 3-2.

Two 17-year-old boys were arrested inside the ground over an alleged pitch invasion and a 19-year-old man was arrested outside the stadium in connection with a minor assault.

A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

About 6,000 people attended the match.

Even before the game started there were reports of violence.

A Rangers goal after 32 minutes put the Ibrox team 2-1 up and provoked more flares. A steward was seen running into the North Stand that housed Rangers fans with a fire extinguisher after a flare had gone off under a seat.

A pitch invasion by two fans delayed the final whistle. By the time the game finished – a 3-2 victory for Rangers – there was a police helicopter circling overhead. Many fans had tweeted scenes of ripped-out seats.