Glasgow city centre erupted into violence as hundreds of Rangers and Celtic fans clashed ahead of the Scottish League Cup final, causing terror amongst Christmas shoppers who were forced to seek shelter. Vast crowds could be seen on Argyle Street as police attempted to keep the feuding factions apart in anticipation of the 3:30pm match at Hampden Park.
The air was thick with tension as social media footage captured supporters, some sporting festive Santa hats and igniting flares, racing through the commercial hub forcing shoppers to duck for cover in nearby stores. Anxious voices resonate in the clips, including one woman exclaiming: "Oh my god. Get in!" as she witnesses the bedlam unfold.
Shrieks of fear are audible while bystanders find themselves swept up amidst advancing masses, believed to include the Union Bears and The Green Brigade hooligan groups. After the disruption, a large contingent of Rangers supporters was herded along Union Street towards Central Station to catch trains to the stadium.
Amid this strife, Police Scotland officers struggled to contain the situation as dark-clad figures loomed over the area. Celtic's manager, Brendan Rodgers, looks to this match as an opportunity to solidify his team's strong season opening with a tangible emblem of success – the season's first domestic trophy.
Brendan Rodgers has set his sights on securing the League Cup trophy, which has eluded them even amidst their remarkable season. At a 24-game streak with only one loss, Rodgers' team stands nine points clear in the William Hill Premiership and is pushing forward in the Champions League.
Despite extending their domestic unbeaten run to an impressive 30 matches, last year's gap in their trophy collection doesn't sit well with the determined manager. Rodgers admits, "Well, we don't have it, so that is something that we didn't take last season, and clearly it's the first trophy of the season. We've had a brilliant season up until now, and this would be a great way to have something tangible to show for that."
He issued a rallying call: "But you have to earn it, and that's what we're ready for."
