Review of policing at football matches to be undertaken in wake of Celtic Park crush

Deputy chief constable Mark Roberts of South Yorkshire Police will investigate operation planning for games as well as intelligence gathering and resource deployment.

The review comes in the wake of a crush at Celtic Park on 2 September, which saw one fan taken to hospital and four treated at the scene in an incident before a match against Rangers.

Police Scotland claim the review was not triggered by this incident.

DCC Roberts oversaw policing of England fans in Russia during this year’s World Cup and is expected to complete his study by the end of the year.

Police Scotland’s DCC Will Kerr, who announced the appointment, said: “This review is not about a particular incident or match, but about the policing of football in a wider sense.

“Police Scotland has an enviable reputation around how it polices large events, including sporting events such as the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games.

“It is important, however, for a learning organisation such as Police Scotland to reflect on areas where we may be able to improve our procedures and learn from good practice elsewhere.

“I am very grateful that DCC Roberts has agreed to carry out this important review. I’m keen that he is able to speak to a number of stakeholders involved in football matches, from the SFA to SPFL right through to supporters’ groups and football clubs.”