Old Firm violence before Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final in Glasgow was “completely unacceptable”, the first minister has said.<\/p>\n John Swinney condemned the behaviour of a “minority of fans” who charged along Argyle Street in the city centre, setting off flares near Christmas shoppers.<\/p>\n A Police Scotland officer was injured after missiles were thrown. A 26-year-old man was also taken to hospital after being seriously assaulted.<\/p>\n Celtic beat Rangers following a penalty shootout at Hampden Park.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Swinney said: “The clubs have got to address the behaviour of a minority of their fans whose conduct was just completely and utterly unacceptable. <\/p>\n “It caused fear and distress and alarm to people who were enjoying Christmas shopping in advance of the football game.”<\/p>\n Videos shared online showed scared shoppers hiding inside shop doorways.<\/p>\n CCTV footage from Gallagher’s Bar on Howard Street shows a masked man punched in the face as he tries to enter the pub of Celtic supporters.<\/p>\n Moments later a flare is thrown through the doorway of the pub while fans charge along the street outside.<\/p>\n The first minister said police had the overall situation “entirely under control”, but the public should not have had to witness the scenes.<\/p>\n He added: “The clubs have got a responsibility to make sure that their fans behave properly.<\/p>\n “The overwhelming majority of the football fans happily went to the match, watched the football and took part in the game.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Swinney also criticised the “alarming” use of pyrotechnics during the match at Hampden Park, where two men were arrested.<\/p>\n A 41-year-old was charged with a drug offence and a 30-year-old man was found with a pyrotechnic in his possession.<\/p>\n No arrests have yet been made over the street disorder.<\/p>\n Police Scotland Ch Supt Stevie Dolan said: “Our inquiries are ongoing to identify those who were involved and we will take appropriate action against them. <\/p>\n “I urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to contact us.<\/p>\n “I want to make it clear that the use of weapons and violence will not be tolerated and retrospective inquiries are being carried out.”<\/p>\n Videos shared online showed scared shoppers hiding inside shop doorways, while another showed windows being smashed in a pub full of Celtic supporters.<\/p>\n Ch Supt Dolan added: “We are following a number of lines of investigation, including reviewing CCTV and footage on social media.<\/p>\n “I would like to thank the majority of fans for their conduct throughout the day.”<\/p>\n The match went to extra time and penalties after finishing 3-3, with Celtic emerging victorious after winning the penalty shoot-out 5-4.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"SNS](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/793a\/live\/6f6a9ca0-bbb4-11ef-9dde-6380fe4ea45e.jpg.webp\")
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