Question 5: Why have the results of the Fairhurst Inquiry not been made public, and what action will the Club take to protect supporters from unlawful and disproportionate policing in the future?
The meeting discussed the report produced by Fairhurst in respect of the incident on 16 March. The Report was criticised by Martin Gemmell on the basis that the language used was ‘soft’ and did not give a fair overview of the incident, nor did it have any clear conclusions.
This was compared to the more emotive language used in statements or comments regarding fan behaviour. Michael Nicholson noted these comments and explained that the Club had engaged Fairhurst to collate the feedback from supporters and that the language used in the report was based on the feedback received.
The purpose of the report was to pull the feedback together so that the Club could present it to Police Scotland, which is what the Club has done. Michael Nicholson noted that the Club has made it clear that it shares the concerns raised by fans regarding the events of 16 March.
Michael Nicholson confirmed that the Club has shared comments directly with Police Scotland and that a meeting has been requested to discuss Martin Gemmell’s requested that a representative from one of the groups in attendance (FAC rep in particular) join the meeting between Police Scotland and the Club.
Michael Nicholson confirmed that this would be requested, but that it would be for Police Scotland to confirm. Michael Nicholson and Mark Hargreaves committed to making this request. John Andrews suggested police would be open to meeting with supporters and have expressed desire to do this previously.
Michael Gallagher said there was no need for Club to ask for permission and expected Club to be more forceful with police re fan representation. Martin Gemmell requested that if Police Scotland decline this that the Club challenge this publicly.
There was a further discussion regarding the specifics of the events on, and leading up to, 16 March, including Police Scotland’s engagement with the Celtic Supporters Club on London Road. Joe Gallagher witnessed the events first-hand and acknowledged the severity of the police actions – he made clear he was not affiliated to GB or any other supporter within the kettle. He also discussed the unprecedented attention his premises had received from Police Scotland in the run up to the weekend.
It was highlighted by Martin Macauley that there has been an uneasy and uncomfortable relationship between the Club and the Police for many years, therefore a fan representative being part of this meeting is important for fans.
Michael Nicholson confirmed that one of the Club’s objectives from this exercise is to improve relations between the Club, the supporters, and Police Scotland. Mark Hargreaves confirmed the proposed meeting is likely to take place at the end of October. Mark Hargreaves will request that Police Scotland permit a fan representative to attend.
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