Glasgow City Council defends fines given to Celtic fans collecting foodbank donations
The drivers of four vans were each handed a £60 fine on Sunday.
Glasgow City Council is telling Clyde News vans picking up food bank donations at Celtic Park on Sunday were blocking a route for emergency services.
It's after football fans claimed they were helping move food into the vehicles as part of an annual donation to a local food bank.
Eyewitness Paul Quigley told Clyde 1: "It was explained the donations would be used to help the poorest in our communities."
Police officers initially approached the group and let them carry on after they explained the reason why the vans were parked outside the stadium on match day.
However, the drivers of the four vehicles sitting outside the stadium were each handed a £60 fine.
Paul added: "This situation is made worse by the fact a food bank that is striving to support those who need it most has taken the brunt of the contempt felt for football fans.
"However, the traffic wardens were adamant fines had to be issued."
"I have no doubt many people are angered by the situation."
A spokesman for the council said: “Parking restrictions are in place around Celtic Park on match day to ensure key routes are kept clear for emergency service vehicles at all times.
“On Sunday Police Scotland made our parking enforcement team aware of a number of vehicles parked on London Road next to Celtic Park, which were in breach of these restrictions.
“Our parking attendants spoke to the drivers of the vehicles and asked that they move on from the restricted area.
“Only when the drivers refused to move on were penalty charge notices issued against the vehicles blocking a route for emergency vehicles on match day.
“We received no request for a dispensation for the vehicles to be parked at this location at this time.
“But we will liaise with the club and Police Scotland to ensure such vehicles can be parked appropriately in future.”