DISORDER erupted across Glasgow last night as thousands of Ajax fans descended on the city for a Champions League clash with Celtic.

A massive police operation got under way hours before the seats were ripped up at Celtic Park as the Dutch giants were beaten 2-1 by 10-man Celtic.

Officers were out in several areas as streets and pubs were flooded with 2500 visiting fans.

There was an heavy presence from Sauchiehall Street to Trongate and Gallowgate, and members of the public flagged up trouble and posted pictures on social media sites.

Some showed hundreds of chanting fans being led through the city by officers on horses, flanked by police vans.

Police said "some instances of disorder" had been brought under control.

Superintendent Brian McInulty said: "This game has been sold out with thousands of fans attending the match.

"The area is busy but is being policed appropriately.

"Officers have dealt with some instances of disorder, however the police response has been immediate and officers have quickly got the situation under control.

"We are experienced in dealing with major events and there is a significant policing operation in place to deal with any issues which may arise both at the ground and in the city."

Glasgow residents said they had noticed a "heightened" atmosphere.

A Tollcross resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I thought the Ajax fans were quite threatening.

"There was a huge group of them outside Walkabout, in the city centre, with lots of police present.

"When I was on my way home, there was a heavy police presence in the Gallowgate area, at one point we saw police chasing a group of fans.

"There were ambulances and police cars in the area, they seemed to be trying to block Ajax fans from the Barras area where there are lots of Celtic fans. Living in Tollcross I have experienced lots of big games but the atmosphere did seem a bit more heightened."

On Monday a British Transport Police (BTP) officer was injured after a riot involving between 40 and 50 football fans in Glasgow's Central Station at around 10.45pm.

A 17-year-old male Dutch national was arrested and appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday.

BTP said further arrests had been made and they were hunting other people in connection with the incident.

No one was seriously injured.

A BTP spokesman said: "One police officer was injured and one man was arrested at the scene after a serious disturbance at Glasgow Central Station. Around 40-50 youths were involved.

"It is believed to be linked to football fans."

"We are actively pursuing others in connection with the disturbance."

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk

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