Fears of Chaos as Orange March and Celtic Title Celebrations Set for Same Day

Community leaders warn of 'inflammatory' mix as Orange March set to coincide with expected mass celebrations by Celtic fans in Glasgow city centre

City Centre residents has warned that plans to stage an Orange Order March in Glasgow on the same day Celtic fans are expected to celebrate their club’s Premiership title victory risk “making a bad situation even worse.”

Last month, The Splash exclusively reported that a high-level summit involving Scottish football authorities, government officials, council leaders, police, and fan representatives failed to produce a concrete strategy for managing the expected influx of supporters into the city centre.

The urgent meeting at Hampden Park—convened by Glasgow Kelvin MSP Kaukab Stewart—was attended by representatives from Celtic and Rangers football clubs, the SPFL, Police Scotland, Glasgow City Council, and local community leaders.

Despite the significance of the gathering, no actionable plan emerged to prevent a repeat of the chaotic scenes seen in previous years.

Last year, over 25,000 fans flooded Glasgow Cross following Celtic’s league win, leaving behind extensive damage and sparking more than £100,000 in repair costs to public infrastructure and historic landmarks.

Residents, already bracing for disruption on Saturday, May 17—when Celtic are expected to lift the SPFL trophy at Parkhead—are now facing additional concerns following confirmation that the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow plans to hold an Orange March through the city on the same day.

Community leaders have called the decision “inflammatory,” warning that the simultaneous presence of rival groups in the city centre could overwhelm police resources and reignite tensions.

A Merchant City and Trongate Community Council spokesperson said: “Making it the same date as the anticipated Celtic celebrations risks making a bad situation even worse.

“Residents and businesses in and around Glasgow Cross are already concerned about serious disruption following the Celtic-St Mirren match.

“Police are likely to have their hands full just dealing with that.”

And the spokesperson added: “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.

“We call on Glasgow City Council and the County Grand Lodge to get together to arrange for the parade to take place on a different date.”

The planned march—marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day—is expected to draw around 2,500 participants, plus additional spectators.

It will begin near the Royal Infirmary, travel through the city centre, and end in Kinning Park.

A statement on The County Grand Orange Lodge of Glasgow Facebook, says: “The County Grand Orange Lodge of Glasgow Office Bearers and Colour Party will assemble under the direction of The County Grand Lodge Chief Marshall at Wishart Street at 9.45pm and live at 10am via: John Knox Street, Cathedral Square, Castle Street, High Street, George Street, St Vincent Place, Montrose Street, St Vincent Street, Renfield Street, Union Street, Jamaica Street Bridge, Bridge Street, Nelson Street, Morrison Street, Paisley Road, Paisley Road West, Harvie Street, Brand Street, Lorne Street, where the parade will disperse.”

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Celtic fans are expected to converge on Glasgow Cross, as they did in previous years.

While VE Day is officially marked on May 8, with commemorative events scheduled across Glasgow for the weekend of May 10–11, the decision to stage the march on May 17 has drawn sharp criticism.

At the March 28 summit, MSP Kaukab Stewart, pictured below, emphasised the need for cooperation and long-term planning.

While it was a productive discussion, it's clear that this is a complex issue,” she said. “There was agreement that celebrations should be safe and respectful, and further discussions will include both residents and fans to find lasting solutions.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson echoed those concerns:

“Glasgow is proud of its sporting heritage. Fans have every right to celebrate. But there’s no excuse for disorder, vandalism, or violence.

“We are engaging with clubs and stakeholders and have been clear that sustainable and safe celebrations are in the city’s best interest.”

Police Scotland, which has faced criticism over its handling of football-related disorder this season, confirmed it is preparing for the May 17 events.

“We are working closely with partners to ensure public safety and minimise disruption,” said a spokesperson.

This season has already seen tensions flare between Celtic and Rangers fan groups, including violent clashes on Argyle Street in December and controversy over police searches at the March 19 Old Firm match, where 90 fans were denied entry to Celtic Park.

Despite repeated calls for preventive measures—including proposals to establish designated fan zones at locations such as Glasgow Green or the Emirates Arena—no final decisions have been made.

Without a clear plan, city centre residents and businesses now face the prospect of a third consecutive year of major disruption, with potentially thousands of fans and marchers converging on Glasgow’s streets on the same day.