The protest organized by Celtic supporters outside the Police Station on London Road last Saturday afternoon marked a pivotal moment of public expression, reflecting not just frustration over the events leading up to the previous week’s Glasgow Derby, but also a broader, deeply rooted concern about civil liberties, personal freedoms, and the balance of power between authorities and citizens in Scotland. Despite facing relentless weather conditions that included torrential rain and gusty winds, a significant number of Celtic supporters, who felt compelled to make their voices heard, turned out in defiance of these elements to challenge the controversial actions taken by Police Scotland during the lead-up to the highly anticipated derby.

This protest was ignited by the actions of Police Scotland the week before, when ahead of the Celtic-Rangers match, large groups of Celtic fans were effectively kettled, a term used to describe the police strategy of containing individuals in a specific area, preventing them from freely moving. This action was taken under special policing provisions that were rolled out for the Glasgow Derby, which were seen by many as not just excessive but an infringement on basic democratic rights. The kettling tactic forced fans to remain stationary for hours, essentially blocking their movement and preventing many from attending the match at all. This was not just a localized concern for the fans directly impacted by the incident, but a broader issue involving civil rights and the potential erosion of freedoms in Scotland under the guise of enhanced security for sporting events.

For Celtic supporters, this was far more than just a protest about football. It was a stand against the idea that they, as citizens, could be denied their right to attend an event of their choosing without being subjected to oppressive measures. These tactics were seen as a violation of their personal freedoms, and many supporters felt that the police had overstepped the boundaries of their authority. It was a fundamental issue of liberty: the right to freely attend a football match without being subjected to what they viewed as a disproportionate, unjustifiable use of force. The protestors argued that policing should ensure public safety, but not to the extent that it undermines individuals’ rights in the process.

While this protest was specifically aimed at calling attention to what occurred before the Glasgow Derby, it also highlighted deeper issues regarding how fans are treated by law enforcement in Scotland. Many protesters made it clear that they believed these kinds of tactics were not just about one isolated incident but were part of a worrying trend of increased surveillance and policing of football supporters in general. The wider fear was that this kind of approach could become the norm, especially in matches involving high emotions and rivalries. For Celtic supporters, the kettling incident represented the latest example of what they felt was an ongoing pattern of being unfairly targeted by the police, and they were determined to raise their concerns about how such heavy-handed measures might affect future matchdays, not just at Celtic but across Scottish football.

What was particularly striking about the protest was the manner in which it was conducted. Despite the foul weather conditions, those attending were resolute in their commitment to peacefully express their dissatisfaction. They braved the rain and wind as an act of solidarity, standing together to make a clear statement: they would not quietly accept such treatment. This was a peaceful yet powerful show of unity, with supporters from all walks of life coming together to voice their opposition to what they viewed as an undemocratic approach to policing. The protest underscored the fact that this issue was not just confined to a small group of individuals but represented a collective concern for many within the Celtic community who saw themselves as being wronged by the actions of the police.

There was also a profound sense of betrayal among many fans, who felt that this was a direct attack on their right to participate in one of Scotland’s most cherished traditions—the Glasgow Derby. These fans were not just protesting a specific incident; they were voicing their frustration with a perceived long-standing pattern of being treated with suspicion and hostility. For Celtic supporters, football is much more than a sport—it is an integral part of their cultural identity. To be denied access to that, especially in such a public and humiliating manner, was a blow to their sense of belonging and their faith in the authorities who are supposed to serve and protect the public.

While the protestors’ main focus was on the immediate aftermath of the Glasgow Derby’s policing, their message carried a broader societal resonance. The incident raised important questions about the balance between maintaining public order and respecting the rights of individuals. It sparked a wider debate about how far police should go in regulating crowds, especially in the context of sports, where passion can sometimes lead to heightened tensions. The protest not only highlighted the concerns of football fans but also resonated with those who felt that the tactics used could set a dangerous precedent for policing in other spheres of life. Many feared that if these kinds of measures were accepted without question, it would embolden the police to adopt even more invasive strategies in the future, restricting people’s freedoms in the process.

In the aftermath of the protest, the question on many minds is whether this demonstration will have a tangible impact on future policing strategies at football matches in Scotland. The supporters who gathered on Saturday were not just venting their anger but calling for a meaningful change in how they are treated by law enforcement. They hoped to initiate a conversation about the overreach of police powers and the need for more transparent and accountable practices in the policing of public events. The hope is that this protest will encourage those in power to reconsider the tactics used during such matches and perhaps lead to more measured, respectful approaches moving forward.

The protest also served as a reminder that fans are not passive consumers of football but active participants in the wider cultural and social landscape. Their voices, when united, can be powerful tools for change. Whether or not the protest will lead to immediate reform remains to be seen, but it is clear that the supporters’ message is one that resonates beyond the boundaries of football. It touches on broader issues of freedom, democracy, and the right to participate in society without fear of unnecessary restrictions.

As Celtic supporters continue to reflect on the protest and what it means for their relationship with the police and the authorities, the coming weeks will likely see further discussions on this issue. There may be more protests or public demonstrations if supporters feel their concerns remain unresolved. But one thing is clear: the Celtic fanbase, despite facing adversity, will not shy away from standing up for their rights, and this protest marks only the beginning of a broader dialogue about the future of policing and civil liberties in Scottish football.