Celtic and Rangers followers in violent clashes in Glasgow metropolis centre as Christmas buyers cover

Locals were worried as hundreds of Celtic and Rangers fans were caught on camera in violent clashes in Glasgow city centre ahead of the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden Park

Ahead of the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden Park, hundreds of Celtic and Rangers fans were caught on camera fighting in Glasgow city centre. Police Scotland officers were spotted on Argyle Street trying to separate the rival supporters before the 3:30pm kick-off at the national stadium.

As the chaos unfolded on the city streets, Christmas shoppers sought refuge in nearby shops. The footage shows football fans, donning Santa hats and setting off flares, sprinting down the bustling shopping street while police tried to intervene and defuse the situation.

After the Argyle Street disturbance, a large group of Rangers fans can be seen being led up Union Street and near Central Station to board trains for Mount Florida. Police Scotland has been contacted for a statement.

Several videos were shared online, with one particular showing the distressing scenes from the street. In the video, shared on X, a woman can be heard urging shoppers to come inside, saying: “Oh my god. Get in!” She can then be heard screaming in shock at the chaos in front of them.

Clips were shared widely, with the football fans mostly wearing black. Police appeared to struggle to contain the situation, with fans progressing down the street.

Some videos claimed the incident involved the Union Bears and The Green Brigade – plus shoppers who were caught up in the scenes. This was the first time the two sides were meeting this season, with them battling it out for the League Cup Final.

While the kick off is not until 3.30pm, fans have been gathering in Glasgow since this morning and appeared to get rowdy before entering Hampden Park. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is looking for evidence of their impressive start to the season, having only lost once in 24 games.

They sit nine points clear in the William Hill Premiership and seem likely to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase play-offs. While their record boasts 30 matches, the League Cup has not been in sight for 12 months, and the team – and their fans – are hungry to win it back today.

Rodgers said: “But you have to earn it, and that’s what we’re ready for.”