THIS is the shocking moment that saw Celtic and Rangers ultras clashing in Glasgow city centre ahead of the Premier Sports Cup Final.
The footage – seemingly shot from within the HMV store on Argyle Street – shows Christmas shoppers forced to take shelter as a large number of fans run past, with a heavy police presence and PYRO being lit right in front of them.
Celtic and Rangers are meeting at Hampden Park with the first silverware of the season on the line with 50,000 fans in attendance at the national stadium.
Both the Celtic ultras group the Green Brigade and Rangers ultras group the Union Bears have been spotted in the city centre in the lead-up to the game.
Hoops ultras were spotted in the Merchant City area while the Rangers ultras were spotted walking past Glasgow Central Station with a heavy police presence.
At some point, both groups appeared to come into contact with each other as several pieces of video footage showed.
In the first video, shot from just inside the doors of the HMV store on Argyle Street, a large group of Rangers ultras – wearing Santa hats – can be seen running down the street, heading from the direction of where Merchant City is and running towards the Central Station end of Argyle Street.
Plenty of shouting can be heard and a couple of people end up on the ground.
A woman can be heard shouting as another woman attempts to make it out of the HMV store, only to be forced back inside amid the commotion.
Just moments after the Rangers ultras run past the shop, they are swiftly followed in the footage by a group of Celtic ultras.
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As they come into shot, a flare is lit right outside the HMV store, with punters attempting to make it out of the shop once again forced back inside.
There’s a heavy police presence, with officers seen shouting and ordering Celtic ultras back the way.
One officer can be seen using a baton in an attempt to force the Celtic ultras back, but the majority of them make it through where the officers are.
Police Scotland subsequently confirmed they had dealt with ‘a number of incidents of disorder and violence’ in Glasgow city centre.
They said missiles had been thrown at police on Argyle Street.
As a result, Superintendent Stevie Dolan authorised police officers to use section 60 stop and search powers across various parts of the city.
In a statement, Superintendent Dolan said: “We have dealt with a number of incidents in Glasgow city centre today involving individuals engaging in disorder and violence across the city.
“Officers have had to act swiftly and robustly to ensure public safety and reduce disorder.
“The use of weapons or violence will not be tolerated and officers will take action where necessary to ensure safety. It impacts other members of the public and the vast majority of football supporters who want to enjoy the cup final event safely.
“Officers will remain in the city as our operation continues and anyone with any concerns can approach them.”
Other footage seen by the Scottish Sun, shot from a higher angle shows the same incident unfolding.
As mentioned, earlier footage showed the Celtic ultras walking down Glassford Street.
Around a similar time, the Rangers ultras had gathered on Gordon Street outside Central Station amid a heavy police presence.
An industrial building in Glasgow was also vandalised with graffiti by Rangers ultras, too.
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A ScotRail train earlier this week was also spray painted by Celtic ultras.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
