TENSE MOMENT IN GLASGOW AS CELTIC FANS COMES FACE TO FACE WITH ORANGE WALK BEFORE TITLE BASH AS COPS SWOOP

OLD Firm fans came face-to-face when an Orange Walk paraded by a hotel packed with Celtic fans ahead of their side’s title street party.

Hoops supporters were surrounded by police as some jeered and gestured and others used their mobile phones to film 2,500 marchers file past the building in Glasgow city centre.

Rivals chanted back as officers ushered some following the procession away in a bid to avoid a flashpoint just hours before thousands massed to celebrate the Hoops league success.

An onlooker said: “The walk was getting closer to the hotel when suddenly you could see all the Celtic shirts.”

“A load of fans were standing outside waiting for the bands’ arrival.”

“Some were shouting over but the police were quick to surround them.”

“The marchers and their followers were looking over as they went by.”

“A group of lads stopped on the other side of the road to give them an earful and the cops were straight over.”

“They were moving people on before it all kicked off.”

Thousands of Orangemen assembled near Glasgow Cathedral as temperatures hit 20°C before setting off on a walk to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

A police van led the way while uniformed bikers raced ahead to stop traffic as the line moved past.

Hundreds of spectators lined the route and followed as flute bands snaked through more 22 streets before coming to a stop just minutes from Gers’ Ibrox stadium.

As the march passed through George Square some missiles could be seen being thrown towards marchers.

And as the walk approached Argyle Street some onlookers could be heard shouting abuse and challenging a cluster of Hoops fans cutting through city streets on their way to Celtic Park for a flag day party as the champions equalled Rangers’ 55 title wins.

Several men broke off from the parade and raised their arms as they charged down fans leaving a Greggs bakery who quickly retreated.

Minutes later the march stopped at traffic lights by the Leonardo Hotel where a wall of Celtic fans stood outside.

A line of cops surrounded them as a group following the walk hurled insults and waved a union flag at them.

Lodge members and flute band players could be seen turning to look at the group before officers cut through the procession to move on a number of men.

Yards up the road, march spectators chased a small pocket of Hoops supporters who fled along the banks of the River Clyde as the parade left the city centre.

Police Scotland earlier told how it had received “concerns” about “large crowds” gathering for the walk and title bash — revealing a “proportionate” plan had been put in place.

Assistant chief constable Mark Sutherland said: “We respect the right to public assembly, however it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure their behaviour does not negatively impact businesses or those looking to enjoy our city.”

“Please do not gather in large groups and be respectful of those around you.”

Four cops were injured and 19 arrests were made for a range of offences after huge crowds took to the street last year to celebrate Celtic winning their third consecutive Scottish Premiership title.