Police Scotland charged two men and issued a recorded warning to a third after violence spilled into Finnieston streets when a bare-knuckle boxing show ended at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on Saturday night. Three officers were assaulted while trying to break up the disorder, and Chief Inspector Paul Daley said two of them required medical treatment.
What police confirmed
The force said it began receiving reports of a large disturbance around Congress Road at about 23:10 on Nov. 7. Footage shared widely online showed groups of men trading punches near the Clyde while more than 20 police vehicles and a helicopter converged on the area.
A 32-year-old man and a 27-year-old man were arrested and charged with offences including assault, obstructing police and threatening or abusive behaviour. Both are due at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday. A third man was arrested and given a recorded police warning for threatening or abusive behaviour. Police asked witnesses with dashcam or mobile video to call 101 quoting incident 2029 of 7 November.
Injuries and response
Daley said several officers were assaulted during the response and that violence against police would not be tolerated. “Being assaulted is not part of the job,” he said in a statement, adding that it was fortunate the injuries were not more serious.
Police Scotland said inquiries were continuing and that anyone found responsible would be brought to justice. The force said it would keep working with event organisers and partners on safety plans for major gatherings at the Hydro.
What happened inside the venue
Thousands had earlier filled the arena for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s Scottish event. Local reporting said Wishaw fighter Sean Weir stopped Manchester’s Leigh Cohoon in the first round before crowds left the building and the street disorder began.
Scottish newspapers described hundreds of men fighting on nearby quays and bridges, with some clashes moving toward Govan as officers formed lines outside hotels along Congress Road. Police did not link specific spectators from the fight card to the street arrests in their initial statements.
Why the case matters in Glasgow
The Hydro sits in one of Scotland’s busiest nightlife districts, and Saturday’s card drew attention beyond combat sports circles because of the scale of the police mobilisation. Glasgow City Council and venue operators routinely coordinate traffic and security for arena events, but post-show street violence still falls to Police Scotland.
Daley appealed directly for public help, saying extensive enquiries were under way. The charges are the first formal step in Scotland’s summary justice process; no court has yet recorded pleas in the case.
What happens next
The two men charged are expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, Nov. 9. Police said the investigation remained open and that additional footage could lead to further action. The Hydro’s operator and BKFC have not issued separate statements beyond cooperating with police enquiries referenced by Daley.