Celtic pub slams Rangers ultras after firework 'narrowly dodged customer' in Old Firm chaos

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A Celtic pub has slammed hooligans after an exploding firework was launched into the premises by Rangers thugs who rampaged through the city centre before clashing with rival Hoops ultras.

Gallagher's Bar on Howard Street, near to St Enoch shopping centre, was hit in a terrifying attack which saw a Rangers ultra wearing a Santa hat throw the pyrotechnic device in a main door at the bar. The drama unfolded hours before Celtic took home the League Cup trophy on Sunday, with punters at the pub caught in the crossfire.

The venue says the flare "narrowly dodged a customer" as they hit out at some of the fans who caused carnage. Sharing their outrage on social media, bosses at the pub said those involved "should be utterly ashamed of themselves."

They wrote: "Following [the] incident at Gallaghers, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the concern shown by our customers and all who messaged us. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the only real damage is our smashed windows.

"However, the whole situation could have ended differently. We are a bar and kitchen that has families with children in eating on a daily basis, and had there been young children present at the time, it could have been more devastating.

"The windows that were smashed are directly behind the majority of our tables, and had anyone been sitting there, they could have been hurt by the incoming glass and multiple objects. Not only were the windows smashed, but a lit pyrotechnic flare was thrown into the premises, narrowly dodging a customer who could have been harmed.

"Those who organised and carried out vandalism and hooliganism should be utterly ashamed of themselves. Supporting a rival team is not an excuse to terrorise people because they choose to support the opposition. Nor is it a reason to attack businesses that are just trying to make a living.

"We would like to reassure our customers that the damage to the windows is now safe & and secured, and we will reopen on Wednesday for business as usual."

CCTV footage taken from within the bar was shared on social media. The shocking clip shows how punters were forced to jump out of the way as the device blew up underneath a table. The pub carnage emerged hours after cops clashed with both sets of rival ultra groups.

Violent scenes unfolded in the town as terrified Christmas shoppers cowered in terror within shops as fireworks were lobbed on Argyle Street. One officer was injured by missiles thrown during clashes between rival fans. A 26-year-old man was also rushed to hospital after being 'seriously assaulted' in the area.

Police say enquiries into the disorder are continuing and are asking the public to assist them. Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan said: "We dealt with a number of incidents in Glasgow city centre involving individuals engaging in disorder and violence.

"Our enquiries are ongoing to identify those who were involved and we will take appropriate action against them. I urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to contact us.

"I want to make it clear that the use of weapons and violence will not be tolerated and retrospective enquiries are being carried out. We are following a number of lines of investigation, including reviewing CCTV and footage on social media. I would like to thank the majority of fans for their conduct throughout the day."

Enquiries into these incidents are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1100 of December 15, or call anonymously Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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