A senior Police Scotland officer has said he expects a “number of arrests” to be made following “unacceptable” anti-Irish Catholic singing in Glasgow.
Footage posted on social media showed Rangers fans marching through the city centre attended by police on Sunday afternoon while chanting an anti-Irish song referring to the Famine.
Politicians condemned the scenes, with Scotland’s Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf, saying he was “disgusted” by the anti-Irish racism on show following Sunday’s Old Firm game.
For those hurling racist abuse at our Irish community telling them to "go home" – Scotland is their home.
Disgusted to once again see anti-Irish racism rear its ugly head. Solidarity with our Irish community.
I am sure Police Scot will hold those responsible to account.
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) August 29, 2021
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “We did not facilitate this event and to say so is inaccurate.
“Officers on patrol came across this group as it was making its way through Glasgow city centre.
“Due to the numbers and to ensure public and officer safety, additional officers were called to assist and, at this point, individuals’ details were noted and the group dispersed.
“A retrospective investigation into this anti-Irish Catholic singing has been launched and we are following up a number of lines of inquiry, including reviewing CCTV footage and footage on social media.
“I fully expect a number of arrests to be made.
“This type of anti-Irish Catholic behaviour is wholly unacceptable.
“Our inquiries are ongoing to identify those who were involved and we will take the appropriate action against them.”
He urged anyone with information to contact police on 101.
Mr Higgins added: “However, the challenges of the sectarianism still evident in some parts of Scotland are a much broader societal problem and, whilst policing will have a role to play in addressing the symptoms, its causes are a problem which require a more effective, joined-up, civic response.
