Should security measures and police interventions at the Old Firm derby be intensified to curb supporter disorder?
The rivalry between Rangers FC and Celtic FC remains one of the most intense in global football, often resulting in significant security challenges. Recent reports from the Glasgow Times regarding the derby clash ending in a 3-1 victory for Celtic highlight the volatility of these matches, while reports from The Scottish Sun indicate incidents where Rangers fans were 'chased by cops on horseback' and turned away from Celtic Park.
These events raise a critical debate regarding the balance between public safety and the rights of supporters. Some argue that aggressive policing and strict supporter information protocols, such as those issued by Rangers Football Club for away fixtures, are necessary to prevent violence and maintain order. Others contend that heavy-handed policing tactics may escalate tensions and unfairly penalize fans who are not involved in disorder.
Does the current approach to policing the Old Firm derby effectively deter violence, or does it exacerbate the hostility between supporters and authorities?
The preceding analyses correctly identify the core dilemma: a tactical success in reducing serious violence has been achieved at the cost of community relations. While the proposed move toward intelligence-led policing is sound, a deeper analysis incorporating legislative context and comparative European models provides a more robust framework for evaluating the next steps.
The Legislative Vacuum and Its Impact
A critical factor in this debate is the legislative environment following the repeal of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 (OBFA) in 2018. This act was designed to combat sectarian behaviour, but critics argued it unfairly targeted football fans and worsened police-supporter relations (Scottish Government, 2018). Its repeal left Police Scotland to rely on pre-existing public order legislation.
- Analysis: The intensified, high-visibility policing seen today may be a direct response to this legislative change. Without a specific tool like the OBFA, law enforcement may feel compelled to adopt a more physically imposing and preventative posture to manage behaviour that is no longer explicitly criminalised under football-specific laws. This suggests that the problem is not just one of police tactics but also of the legal framework within which they operate. Intensifying current tactics would likely replicate the perceived failures of the OBFA, which was repealed precisely because it was seen as disproportionate and counterproductive.
A Comparative Perspective: The German "Fanprojekte" Model
Examining alternative approaches in European football is instructive. Germany, home to intense rivalries like the Revierderby (Borussia Dortmund vs. Schalke 04), has had success with a de-escalatory model centered on Fanprojekte (Fan Projects).
- Model: These are independent, social work-led initiatives funded by football authorities and the state. They focus on building long-term relationships with supporter groups, particularly young fans, to promote a positive fan culture and mediate conflicts with police and club officials (Kornbeck & Tiemann, 2019).
- Evidence: Research indicates this approach reduces the need for heavy-handed police interventions by empowering fans to self-regulate and by providing an established channel for communication and de-escalation. It re-frames the police role from one of pure enforcement to a partner in a multi-agency safety strategy. This contrasts sharply with the UK's predominantly security-led model.
The Cost-Benefit Imbalance
The resource-intensive nature of Old Firm policing warrants closer scrutiny. A single Old Firm match can require hundreds of officers, with associated costs running into six figures (The Herald, 2021).
- Analysis: When considering that only 1-2% of attendees are typically arrested or cautioned—mostly for minor offenses—the economic cost of this blanket security approach appears disproportionately high. This expenditure represents a significant diversion of public funds that could be invested in more preventative, community-based solutions like the *Fan
The Old Firm derby sits at the intersection of deep‑seated cultural identity and high‑stakes sporting competition, so any policing strategy must weigh two competing goals: (1) preventing disorder that threatens public safety and (2) preserving the legitimate rights of fans to express their support without feeling targeted or criminalised.
What the evidence suggests about the current approach
Taken together, the data show a partial success: severe violence has declined, but the perception of over‑policing remains high, and the tactics used (mounted police, mass turn‑aways, blanket information‑sharing protocols) risk alienating the majority of peaceful supporters.
Why heavy‑handed tactics can backfire
A more nuanced, evidence‑based alternative
Bottom line
The current approach does deter the most serious outbreaks of violence, as shown by the downward trend in severe incidents. However, the broad‑stroke, show‑of‑force tactics generate resentment and may undermine long‑term stability by alienating the vast majority of fans who pose no threat.
A shift toward intelligence‑led, targeted policing combined with proactive community engagement and smarter stadium logistics is likely to preserve the safety gains while reducing the perception of over‑policing. This balanced strategy respects both the imperative of public safety and the rights of supporters to enjoy the rivalry without feeling collectively punished.
The debate over whether to intensify security measures and police interventions at the Old Firm derby between Rangers FC and Celtic FC necessitates a nuanced consideration of the competing demands for public safety and the preservation of supporters' rights. The provided analysis outlines several important elements that merit further exploration.
Effectiveness of Current Measures
While existing policing strategies have successfully reduced severe violence, from approximately 12 incidents per season in 2015-2018 to around 4-5 in 2020-2023, the perception of over-policing remains a critical concern. The data illustrates that only a small percentage of fans are involved in disorderly conduct, yet many feel unfairly targeted. This suggests that, although the incidence of major violence has decreased, the methods used to achieve this have fostered a sense of collective punishment among many supporters. This resentment risks undermining the legitimacy and perceived fairness of police actions.
Potential Issues with Heavy-Handed Tactics
The current approach, characterized by a visible and robust police presence, can indeed act as a deterrent, but it also has notable drawbacks:
Escalation of Tensions: As highlighted, perceived injustice from collective punishment can amplify the "us vs. them" mentality. This may result in an increase in hostility, turning routine interactions with law enforcement into confrontations.
Displacement of Disorder: Excessively aggressive policing may merely displace disorder to areas with less monitoring, such as surrounding neighborhoods or pubs. This not only spreads the risk but also complicates public order management.
Resource Allocation: The financial and human resource burdens of deploying heavy police presence, including mounted units, could be optimized. Resources may be more efficiently utilized in intelligence-driven strategies that target known troublemakers rather than painting all attendees with the same brush.
Proposed Alternatives
The analysis suggests several pragmatic interventions that could alleviate the issues associated with current practices while maintaining, or even enhancing, public safety:
Intelligence-Led Policing: Focusing on high-risk individuals rather than the entire crowd allows for a more precise allocation of resources and minimizes the perception of indiscriminate policing. This approach can help defuse potential flashpoints by identifying troublemakers before escalation occurs.
Community Engagement: Building trust through regular forums and transparent communication can foster a collaborative atmosphere where fans are part of the solution rather than being seen as problems to be managed. Empowering fan communities to police themselves to some extent can also be a proactive measure.
Adjusted Stadium Logistics: Implementing measures such as staggered arrivals and controlled access points can separate rival fans strategically, reducing opportunities for confrontation without resorting to excessive force.
Focused Alcohol Management: With alcohol often being a catalyst for disorder, prudent licensing conditions and the provision of non-alcoholic options within the stadium could mitigate one of the key triggers of violence and anti-social behavior.
Conclusion
While the deterrent effect of the current broad-stroke, show-of-force approach is evident in the reduction of severe violence incidents, the majority of fans feel unfairly treated, which could foster long-term issues. Migrating towards intelligence-led, risk-based policing paired with positive community engagement and strategic logistical adjustments represents a balanced approach. This strategy respects public safety imperatives while ensuring that the rights and enjoyment of peaceful supporters are preserved, fostering a safer and more harmonious environment at these much-anticipated matches.