- Police Scotland spokesperson responds after Rangers supporters buses from NI were searched en route to the Aberdeen game on Saturday
- DUP MLA Trevor Clarke told the Northern Ireland Assembly that it was “an overreach of their power”
- The police have said that checks were made as part of an ongoing investigation.
A Police Scotland spokesperson has responded following criticism of searches made on Rangers supporters’ buses travelling to Ibrox last Saturday.
Yesterday, DUP MLA Trevor Clarke was speaking in the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont, following contacts from constituents.
After making their usual journey from Belfast and Larne, the Rangers buses were stopped and searched after disembarking the Stena and P&O ferries at the respective Cairnryan ports.
Police Scotland responds to checks on Rangers buses from NI
Speaking to the floor during the plenary session on Monday 23 March, the MLA for South Antrim said:
“Saturday for the Northern Ireland supporters of Rangers, and indeed Rangers themselves, finished up an exceptionally good day with a 4-1 win at home against Aberdeen.”
“However, the same can’t be said for the start of that day when supporters buses coming from Northern Ireland to travel to Scotland were stopped and searched. “
“Of course, in searching, the first thing they asked (was) are you football supporters?
“If there had been any issues and any materials that Police Scotland wished to find, that could easily have been accommodated for those entering the match.
Clarke continued, “I have written to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Jo Farrell, and I am looking forward to a response.
“I also read at the weekend that one of the supporters, who has been travelling for 20 years to most matches, said that that was the first time that he had witnessed such an act.
“That shows the gravity of the case. I do not know why the police felt it necessary to act in such a way. It was an overreach of their power, and I am very disappointed by what they have done. I look forward to hearing an explanation, if one ever comes, from Police Scotland.”
Read Rangers contacted Police Scotland for a response to the incident, as well as the criticism from Mr Clarke.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers searched a number of vehicles at Cairnryan ferry port area on Friday, 20 March, and Saturday, 21 March, 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation.
“No arrests were made and enquiries are continuing.”
Read Rangers analysis
Every other Saturday, the Rangers supporters’ buses make the journey from Belfast and Larne in Northern Ireland.
Searches are an anomaly.
This has happened on the first journey back to Scotland since the Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat to Celtic when mayhem unfolded out at Ibrox.
Time will tell if that is a coincidence or a direct consequence. If searches were also carried out on Friday, the day before fans travelled, that could be an indicator of another, non-football matter.
On Sunday 8 March, home fans reacted to the pitch invasion from Celtic fans, with many goading and antagonising the Rangers crowd.
There were clashes and acts that should not have happened, and further updates from the authorities will follow with fans held accountable.
During an after the penalty shootout, which Celtic won 4-2, there appeared to be an inadequate police presence at both ends. Unlike previous games through the years, particularly at Hampden.
That theory has been backed by David Kennedy, the general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, the representative body of rank and file officers.
He cited overcrowding in the Broomloan Stand (occupied by Celtic fans), a delayed reaction from police bosses and not enough manpower as key factors in the fracas.
Thankfully, a full scale rioted was averted. However, it wasn’t only inside the stadium that things went wrong.
More to follow tomorrow on Read Rangers.
