From BBC Scotland, today, the above and:

Scotland’s biggest police operation since the visit of President Donald Trump last year is to take place on Bonfire Night, in the face of a “unique” combination of safety concerns.

As many as 1,700 officers could be deployed on and around 5 November to deal with fireworks-related disorder, a European football match involving Celtic and potential protests in Glasgow. Additional public order vehicles and drivers are being brought in from 18 English and Welsh police forces under mutual aid arrangements.

The force has already vowed that anyone caught up in disorder around Halloween and Bonfire Night will face “very real consequences“.

In recent years, emergency crews have been pelted with petrol bombs and missiles – though police said there were fewer instances of this last year.

and:

This year’s Bonfire Night will see police coping with two further challenges – both in Scotland’s biggest city. Celtic will take on Turkish side Beskitas in a Uefa Europa League match at Celtic Park. Officers say they are also aware of images circulating online, suggesting “planned protest activity” will take place in Glasgow the same night. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmgqwgpjpjngo

An AI search can find no such references to ‘planned protests activity circulating online.’

Are the Besiktas fans a more realistic concern?

Yes — the Beşiktaş (Besiktas) match is a more concrete and realistic operational concern than the vaguely referenced “planned protest activity.” Celtic host Beşiktaş in the UEFA Europa League league phase at Celtic Park on Thursday 5 November 2026 (8pm kick-off). This is a confirmed fixture with a fixed venue, large expected crowd, and standard European-match policing requirements.⁠

Beşiktaş’s ultras are large, highly organised, and passionate. Turkish clubs in Europe frequently bring organised away followings, even if ticket allocations limit numbers for a midweek trip to Glasgow, the potential for pyrotechnics, singing/chanting that could escalate, or spill-over into the city is a standard public-order factor.

Why is the Bonfire Night disorder risk lower, given the evidence from the last three years?

First, to repeat BBC Scotland above: ‘In recent years, emergency crews have been pelted with petrol bombs and missiles – though police said there were fewer instances of this last year.‘

In 2023/2024, 62 officers were injured. In 2024/2025, there was 1 such incident. ‘Last year?’ None.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wr182e5pko

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6296vgzq9zo