PROSECUTORS have questioned the quality of police evidence after a notorious incident involving football fans, reporting concerns to internal watchdogs.

Following allegations a chief inspector and sergeant had lied in their testimonies in a case where a youth charged with breach of the peace was acquitted, the Crown Office has said neither officer will be charged with perjury.

However, one of the Crown's most senior officials said “inconsistent evidence was provided” by the officers involved in the kettling of Celtic fans on Glasgow's Gallowgate in March 2013.

It comes after it emerged that neither officer is to be charged with perjury after a youth was acquitted of breach of the peace following the ‘kettling’ of Celtic supporters in Gallowgate, Glasgow, in March 2013.

Les Brown, a senior Crown Office official who is head of criminal allegations against police, said that “inconsistent evidence was provided” by the officers involved.

Mr Brown has passed his concerns to the force’s Professional Standards Department, which will now decide whether to take further action.

In his letter to the complainant, Mr Brown said: “I consider it to be the case that inconsistent evidence was provided during the course of the trial but taking all the evidence into account I am satisfied that there is insufficient to establish the essential facts of perjury.

“I can however advise you that I have taken the decision to write to the Professional Standards Department of the Police Service of Scotland drawing their attention to the evidence provided in this case so they can take appropriate action.”

During the trial of Scott Johnstone a year ago, one of the officers was warned by prosecutors that he was in danger of incriminating himself even though he was a Crown witness.

Mr Johnstone was interviewed as part of the perjury probe by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner, along with several other people not involved in the trial but at the Gallowgate incident and his Lawyer.

The 22-year-old, from Cardenden, Fife, said: “There’s definitely some satisfaction in the outcome here. It was never going to be easy to prove perjury or get a conviction on it but it has highlighted the concerns with how this trial was conducted and the evidence provided the police.

“This is very contentious legislation. The trials are too. I’m happy this has shown whats happening in courts with this Act.”

There have been several instances of fans being cleared of crimes, particularly under the controversial Offensive Behaviour at Football Act, after doubt was cast over the evidence of officers involved in their arrest.

However, it is thought to be the first time prosecutors have referred the matter to Police Scotland.

Fans Against Criminalisation, an organisation made up primarily of Celtic supporters, said: “ We are sure that people will be genuinely disturbed by the conduct of these two police officers. The fact that the sheriff did not believe them saved a young man from being wrongly convicted.

“This innocent young man had to go through a lengthy ordeal in order to clear his name.

“We are pleased that these officers have been reported to the Professional Standards Department of the Police Service of Scotland and hope they will be dealt with appropriately.”

A police spokeswoman confirmed it had received a letter from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, adding that its “comments are being considered.”

A Crown Office spokeswoman added: “As there were non-criminal issues concerning the officers evidence these were referred to Police Scotland for whatever action, if any, is deemed appropriate.”