Rangers v Celtic: Plan in place for if Old Firm cannot be completed
Keith Hackett insists plans will be in place if Rangers and Celtic cannot complete the Old Firm derby in suitable conditions after recent trouble.
Fans clashed on the street of Glasgow before the Scottish League Cup final on 15 December, with pyrotechnics also delaying kick-off inside the ground.
Hackett admits that policing plans will have been discussed with club officials in meetings this week, with talks mainly on expected fan misbehaviour.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the ex-FIFA referee shared all of the plans that are likely in place for the upcoming Old Firm showdown.
“There will have been pre-planning meetings between the club officials, and the various security departments, police at a high level, probably the assistant chief constable,” he said.
“The police commander will be in charge of all security planning and coordination around and inside the stadium. Police video vehicles will be deployed at various points.
“Known hotspots will have police vehicles carrying 22 police officers who can quickly change into protective uniforms including batons and shields.
“A mobile bus converted to have prison cells will be strategically positioned to ensure that arrests made are dealt with at pace.
“The transport police will have a detailed plan with regard to all forms of transport. In many instances, there will be plain-clothed officers on the trains.
Rangers and Celtic plans in place for controversy
“The coach arrival timings are planned, they will be aware of any known troublemakers and the fire brigade and ambulance service will have raised profiles ready to act.
“There will be a countdown plan with regard to the game, right up to the moment the referee blows his whistle.
“Entrance to the stadium will have security carrying out random body searches.
“Inside the ground one hour and fifteen minutes before kick-off, the ground commander and club security officer will meet with the match officials.
“At that meeting, discussions will centre on fan misbehaviour and what plan is in place if fans get onto the playing surface.
“Discussions around and fan misbehaviour during the game and if the game cannot come to a suitable conclusion then the plan for that will be discussed.”
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