Flare incident fuels safety concerns at Hibernian vs Celtic Glasgow match
The match occurred on Wednesday, 7th February, in the 25th round of the Scottish Premiership, where Hibernian played host to Celtic Glasgow. The visiting side ultimately triumphed 2:1; however, an incident just before the first whistle of the match has gained worldwide attention.
As the two teams made their entrance from the tunnel, Celtic fans, situated behind the goal, started a pyrotechnic display, lighting flares. The situation rapidly escalated when a piece of one flare struck a visiting fan's head, setting light to his hair.
The man extinguished the flames for a few seconds, furiously patting down his hair. Smoke could be seen billowing from his head. Fortunately, emergency action was taken swiftly, and the unlucky fan did not sustain any severe injuries. UK media coverage of the incident highlights that the entire incident seemed to go unnoticed or was overlooked by other fans around the man.
The dangerous event at the match between Hibernian and Celtic has had substantial coverage throughout Great Britain. Major media outlets have publicised the event, and it has also attracted significant attention on social media, where many have offered their thoughts.
Remember that this isn't the first risky incident involving pyrotechnics in Scotland. On 1st November, a game between Dundee F.C. and Glasgow Rangers was held. Due to a significant number of flares ignited by the fans, the match was halted for about 18 minutes, and UK media reported that during the ensuing chaos, a 13-year-old girl was accosted.
After 25 rounds of the Scottish Premiership, Celtic is leading the table, a mere three points ahead of their perennial rival. The Glasgow Rangers, nevertheless, have played one game fewer.
