Cops are to set up a "safe zone" in Glasgow for the first time ever this New Year's Eve "to help deal with the fall out from Saturday's Old Firm game," according to the Scotland DAILY RECORD. The space for "worn out party-goers," to be located in Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church, will be introduced as police prepare to deal with the "added pressure" brought by New Year revelers and the Scottish Premiership Rangers vs. Celtic clash at Ibrox. Police Constable Jonathan Church, who secured funding for the initiative, said that "the venue will represent a safe, central location where anyone in need of help can go during a night out." It will be manned by Glasgow Street Pastors and police officers from Community Safety Glasgow. There are plans to run "similar pop-up safe zones" in various locations throughout '17. The decision to hold the Rangers vs. Celtic clash on Saturday rather than on the traditional New Year's Day date has "sparked huge" controversy. It "is feared armchair fans in homes and pubs will start boozing" before the 12:15pm kickoff and that "many won't stop drinking as the New Year spirit takes hold and they try to make it through to the bells." A coalition of pub owners, hoteliers and business leaders tried to get the game moved but "their pleas fell on deaf ears with the police and football chiefs" (DAILY RECORD, 12/28).
