Celtic and Rangers must do everything to root out those responsible for violence before cup final

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First Minister John Swinney is absolutely right to condemn the shocking scenes in Glasgow city centre on Sunday.

As the Daily Record reported yesterday, Christmas shoppers were forced to dive for cover while hordes of so-called “ultras” linked to Celtic and Rangers rampaged through busy streets thronging with Christmas shoppers.

We now know a police officer was injured during the disorder and damage was reported to shops and businesses. At Hampden, there was more chaos as fans poured out of the terraces at full-time, delaying the presentation of the trophy.

Despite police warnings, there was also widespread use of dangerous pyros at the game. An enthralling match that should have been a great advert for Scottish football will now be remembered for the wrong reasons. The First Minister spoke out yesterday as video clips of the disorder spread like wildfire around the world’s social media platforms.

Now that the condemnation has flowed, we need to see some action to avoid a repeat of these scenes. No doubt questions will be asked about the police response and how well prepared they were for these clashes. But the football clubs themselves must also take some responsibility for the behaviour of these “ultra” groups.

Celtic’s Green Brigade and Rangers’ Union Bears group are both given special privileges within their home grounds. They are allowed in to games early to set out displays, allowed to sit together as a group and are given access to senior figures within the clubs.

They do bring a great atmosphere and involve young people in our national game. But if Sunday’s scenes are anything to go by, some people within the “ultra” groups are intent on causing mayhem. The clubs must identify those responsible and make sure they are banned from games.

But they must also make clear to the ultra groups that their special status is dependent on acceptable behaviour. The clubs are not powerless to act – so they must do everything at their disposal to root out those involved in Sunday’s chaos.

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