Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, who led the policing operation for Sunday’s Glasgow Derby, has defended Police Scotland’s decision to block the Green Brigade and Union Bears from attending the match, insisting that containment tactics were necessary to maintain public safety.

The decision sparked major backlash, with images circulating on social media showing large numbers of police officers and vans surrounding both fan groups, preventing them from reaching Celtic Park. Celtic distanced themselves from the move, clarifying to CeltsAreHere that they played no role in stopping the Green Brigade from entering the stadium.

In a statement following the match in the Daily Record, Chief Superintendent Dolan claimed that police acted proportionately and that the groups themselves were responsible for missing the game.

“Again, the vast majority of fans were simply there to enjoy the match and I would thank them for their good conduct. It was necessary to apply containment tactics to maintain public safety and deal effectively with those intent on disruption or non-compliance with relevant legislation, including powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

“As a result, some groups of supporters missed the game, but that was their choice. Our priority is and always will be the safety of fans in and around the stadium and the general public in the wider city. To support that, enforcement of Section 60 and other legislation was undertaken proportionately, with search powers being enacted in a targeted manner.

“Non-compliance with the Section 60 powers resulted in 90 people being reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Others have been arrested or reported for other offences, including the assault of a police officer. A significant number of pyrotechnics were seized or prevented from entering the stadium, which again demonstrates the disregard that some supporters have for the safety of others.

“We will continue to work with partners, including the clubs, to improve safety and order and to ensure that the sporting event is the real focus.”

Dolan confirmed that 90 people were reported to the Procurator Fiscal for non-compliance with Section 60 powers, while others were arrested or reported for various offences, including assaulting a police officer.

Despite Police Scotland’s justification, many supporters remain deeply frustrated, arguing that the decision unfairly fan groups. The Green Brigade’s absence was highly visible, with a glaring gap in the North Curve section, while Rangers fans were left without their Union Bears contingent.

Questions will now be asked about whether these actions were proportionate or an unnecessary overreach.