A community 'worst hit' by Celtic fan disorder claimed tourists were 'appalled' as it urges local authorities to prevent repeat actions. 

Merchant City and Trongate Community Council and Calton Community Council said that residents, businesses and visitors to the area had been 'terrified and intimidated' by the display on Saturday, May 18.

Over 25,000 fans gathered at Glasgow Cross to celebrate the league title win and have been criticised by Police Scotland, Glasgow City Council, council leader Susan Aitken and local businesses for engaging in anti-social behaviour, violence and causing property damage.

READ MORE: Glasgow businesses hit out after 'damage and disruption' by football fans

READ MORE: 'Unacceptable' damage at Glasgow Cross fixed after Celtic fan party

READ MORE: Council hits out at 'unacceptable' Celtic Trongate celebration

Four police officers were injured during the party and 19 arrests were made in connection with disorder-related offences and the use of pyrotechnics. 

Ahead of this weekend's Scottish Cup final where Celtic face Rangers at Hampden, both councils are appealing to the clubs, the council and the police to prevent a repeat of the 'mayhem'. 

They said in a joint statement: “We do not want all this to happen again this Saturday in the city centre’s major tourism visitor and hospitality area following the Old Firm’s Scottish Cup clash at Hampden. 

“Several foreign tourists told us they were appalled and horrified last weekend and that the scenes cast a shadow over Glasgow’s reputation as a friendly and welcoming city.

“We need a far firmer pre-emptive action plan led by all parties enforced by Police Scotland presence. 

"After last Saturday’s match at Parkhead police were far too slow to show up and then failed to do anything significant to stop the crowds running amok.

“Celtic FC must shoulder much of the blame for that mayhem. It appears to show little or no concern for the local area or what their supporters do outwith the confines of Celtic Park.”

Glasgow Times:

The residents’ associations believe both football clubs, the police and council “have the power to provide safe areas for fans and supporters and celebrate success without harm to themselves and others. Please use it.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “An appropriate policing plan is in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the community ahead of the fixture on Saturday, May 25.

"We continue to work closely with a range of partners ahead of the matches, including Glasgow City Council and both clubs."

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: “The kind of damage, disruption and antisocial behaviour experienced last weekend was unacceptable. It should be possible to celebrate and at the same time, show a basic level of consideration for others in the city.”

“Unofficial celebration events by fans of both Celtic and Rangers have caused significant problems in and around the city centre in recent years.

“The council continues to believe that one way to reduce the negative impact of these events would be for clubs to offer supporters more opportunities to celebrate safely. The council, for its part, has always committed to looking at how it can support and facilitate any proposals.

“With that in mind, officials had positive discussions with both clubs late last year to discuss what plans they had for organised celebrations either this season or in the future.

“Meetings also took place earlier this year – and, while this has not yet led to any proposals from the clubs, we have continued to engage regularly and positively with them, including in relation to this weekend’s cup final.

“Discussions with Police Scotland are ongoing on how any fan gatherings this weekend can be dealt with appropriately and disruption to local communities minimised.”

The Glasgow Times has approached Celtic and Rangers for comment. 

It comes after we reported that several politicians have backed calls for dedicated and organised fan zones to prevent future scenes.

READ MORE: 'Going to happen regardless': Call for fan zone after Celtic disorder

Paul Sweeney, Glasgow Labour MSP, said: "The answer is for Glasgow City Council to recognise that this is a huge part of the city's culture and to actually create a proper fan zone and victory parade route for the buses to come around.

"This should be organised with the fans, groups and with the football club management to try and anticipate this."

READ MORE: Glasgow MSP wants clubs docked points for fan disorder during celebrations

George Redmond, Labour, added his group believes “controlled fan zones can provide a safe and positive environment for supporters to come together and celebrate this momentous occasion”.

Meanwhile, John Mason, Shettleston SNP MSP, called for football clubs to take responsibility for their fans' behaviour and even suggested points should be docked or stadiums should be partially closed as a punishment.