Harley presses SNP for answers over football disorder

After securing an urgent question in parliament, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden Adam Harley pressed the Scottish Government for answers over football disorder.

On Saturday, violence broke out in Glasgow's Trongate area after Celtic won the Scottish Premiership.

Two police officers were seriously injured and fourteen arrests were made.

Adam Harley asked the Scottish Government who should bear responsibility for minimising the risk of disorder and where the funding for doing so should come from.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP also called on ministers to issue guidance to help prevent a repeat of the disruption.

It was Mr Harley’s first ever question in the Scottish Parliament.

Adam Harley said:

“I wish the police officers who were injured on Saturday a speedy recovery.

“The overwhelming majority of supporters enjoyed their day responsibly, and I think it’s important that any measures that may come forward do not unfairly impact or punish law-abiding fans.

“Does the minister agree with me that all football clubs and relevant authorities have a shared responsibility to minimise the risk of disorder around major fixtures and celebrations?

“And where these preparations require to be backed by funding, where does the government think this should come from?”

He went on to say:

“It is not right that local businesses should have to close or clean up.

“People ought to know in advance where in the city is going to be impacted so that any disruption can be managed, whether that’s through fan zones, open top bus parades or whatever other way people want to celebrate. That’s not going to happen unless there’s coordination and leadership.

“So, what further guidance can the Scottish Government provide to help prevent a repeat of the disruption we saw in Glasgow city centre at the weekend?”