26 November 1998 Edition
Celtic fans arrested
In two separate incidents reported to An Phoblacht up to eight Celtic fans came in for `special treatment' at the hands of Scottish police as they travelled to and from the Celtic v Rangers match on Saturday.
Sean Murray, Jim McCarthy and Kieran McMullan were first held from 9.50am to 10.55am as they landed in Stranraer while in the evening they were detained from 7.50pm as they boarded the boat for Belfast.
After two hours they were released. Because they missed their scheduled sailing the trio had to return home in a boat full of Rangers supporters.
``We felt we were in danger for the whole crossing'', Mr McMullan said.
In a separate incident five men returning to Belfast were detained and held overnight by Scottish police. Three were charged with obstruction. At a bail hearing the police opposed bail but the judge granted bail despite them.
As three of the men work they believe their arrest and 24 hour detention was deliberate and designed to bring them into conflict with their employer.
Sean Murray, Jim McCarthy and Kieran McMullan were first held from 9.50am to 10.55am as they landed in Stranraer while in the evening they were detained from 7.50pm as they boarded the boat for Belfast.
After two hours they were released. Because they missed their scheduled sailing the trio had to return home in a boat full of Rangers supporters.
``We felt we were in danger for the whole crossing'', Mr McMullan said.
In a separate incident five men returning to Belfast were detained and held overnight by Scottish police. Three were charged with obstruction. At a bail hearing the police opposed bail but the judge granted bail despite them.
As three of the men work they believe their arrest and 24 hour detention was deliberate and designed to bring them into conflict with their employer.
