Sport

Seven people arrested after England and Scotland encounter in Glasgow

During the match tensions ran high amid reports of anti-IRA chanting by some fans

The much-anticipated meeting of England and Scotland was marred my provocative chants and subsequent arrests. Photograph: Owen Humphreys/Pa
The much-anticipated meeting of England and Scotland was marred my provocative chants and subsequent arrests. Photograph: Owen Humphreys/Pa
Wed Nov 19 2014 - 12:02

Seven people were arrested following a disturbance near a hotel after the Scotland v England football match last night in Glasgow.

Police were called to the scene near the Thistle Hotel in Cambridge Street, Glasgow, at around 10.20pm.

Supporters from both sides were arrested in connection with alleged breach of the peace offences. They are expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

During the match, tensions ran high amid reports of anti-IRA chanting by some fans. Each side booed the respective singing of their national anthems and England supporters were heard singing ”f*** the IRA” during the match.

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Celtic Park was close to its 60,000 capacity for the much-anticipated game as the neighbours met on Scottish turf for the first time in 15 years.

Police Scotland said they had not received any reports of offensive chants following the 3-1 victory to England.

Hodgson doesn’t condone it

But in the first half, an FA official contacted the band to ask them to stop playing the tune for the chant.

After the game England manager Roy Hodgson said he was unaware of the song but apologised for any offence on behalf of the FA.

He said: “I was aware the crowd were tremendously supportive. I didn’t have a clue what they were chanting.

“I don’t condone it. If anyone was offended, I’m sure the FA would like to apologise to them.

“All we can do is play our football and be grateful for the support and hopefully they will behave themselves and not get themselves into a situation where their chanting is being criticised.”

Monitoring troublemakers

More than 200 people were arrested in 1999 when England took on Scotland at Hampden Park and police said ahead of the match that they were monitoring “known troublemakers” from both countries who they believed were planning to attend.

Around 5,000 visiting fans celebrated after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gave England the lead in the first half and Wayne Rooney went on to score twice.

A goal from Scotland's Andrew Robertson was not enough for Scotland to repeat their victory over the Republic of Ireland at Parkhead on Friday.

Before the 8pm kick-off there was a minute’s applause for Scotland supporter Nathan McSeveney, who died at the match.

Supporters had mixed views on whether Scotland v England, the oldest fixture in international football, should resume as an annual event.