There are mounting concerns over a possible “inflammatory” stand-off between marchers and fans
WORRIED locals called for an Orange Walk to be switched — to avoid potential flashpoints with partying Celtic fans.
Fears were raised after it emerged 2,500 Loyalists will parade through Glasgow city centre at the same time as 60,000 Hoops punters are heading to their team’s title bash.
Next Saturday’s parade, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, had been arranged before it was confirmed that the Bhoys would be presented with the Premiership trophy at Parkhead that day.
But the route, organised by the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow, is to pass through the Trongate and Merchant City areas, where hordes of Celtic supporters are expected to gather after the game against St Mirren for booze-fuelled celebrations.
And there are mounting concerns over a possible “inflammatory” stand-off between marchers and fans.
A spokesman for Merchant City Community Council said: “Residents and businesses around Glasgow Cross are already concerned about serious disruption following the Celtic v St Mirren match.
“Police are likely to have their hands full just dealing with that.
“The presence of tens of thousands of Celtic and Orange Lodge supporters in the city on the same day is an unwelcome and possibly inflammatory mix.”
He added: “We call on the city council and the County Grand Lodge to get together to arrange for the parade to take place on a different date.”
Rolling road closures will be put in place by cops after the Orange procession starts next to Glasgow Cathedral at 9.45am.
It will head down High Street towards Trongate before travelling through Merchant City — a popular spot for Hoops fans.
Almost 20 flute bands will then parade past George Square before heading south and finishing in the city’s Kinning Park district.
Thousands of jubilant Celtic fans gather at Parkhead for title party as they let off pyro and await fan return
Hoops diehards, meanwhile, will be in the city earlier than usual to make their way to Parkhead for the 12.30pm kick-off against Saints.
Dave Scott, director of anti-bigotry charity Nil by Mouth, said: “Given issues with drunkenness and anti-social behaviour in the Merchant City in the last few years linked to religious, cultural or sporting processions, anyone can see why residents are worried.
“Too often the impact of these events on those who live, work and raise families in the city centre are overlooked. It’s further complicated by the volume of loyalist parades which take place.
“And the fact the football event isn’t organised formally and shaped by what the fans do on the day.”
