Celtic FC have joined the row over the policing of a Green Brigade protest on Saturday, writing to Strathclyde's Chief Constable to ask for a full report.

The club's intervention came as a senior Glasgow councillor, George Ryan, demanded that First Minister Alex Salmond stage an inquiry into the "over-the-top" policing.

QC Brian McConnachie has also said the incident, in which 13 supporters were arrested as officers moved to halt an unauthorised march to Celtic Park, was almost akin to "police-state" tactics.

He also cast doubt on the police official version of events, claiming the numbers who arrived on the scene armed and with cameras indicated they were not, as indicated, responding to reports of a large gathering.

The 13 people were all released from custody on Monday. Eight were bailed to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date, and five are subject to reports to the procurator-fiscal.

Charges included allegations of breach of the peace, resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer, and a drugs offence.

The supporters, in turn, were unhappy at being "kettled" by a large number of police and prevented from walking on the road from the city's Gallowgate to Celtic Park.

In their statement, Celtic said: "The safety and well-being of Celtic supporters is of paramount importance to the club.

"The club is very concerned to see imagery of Saturday's march by members of the Green Brigade from Gallowgate to Celtic Park, and subsequent claims by supporters of police harassment and heavy-handed policing.

"This is an issue which the dlub takes very seriously. Once again we would urge any supporter who feels that they have been a victim of such harassment to contact the club with details...in order that we can formally raise such matters with Strathclyde Police.

"We should remind supporters that the club has set up a working group, which is independently chaired, to establish a Complaints Review Panel to oversee the complaints’ process and improve transparency.

"Any suggestion of collusion between the Club and Strathclyde Police is, quite frankly, ludicrous.

"The Celtic support has a long and well-established reputation for good behaviour and everyone is very proud of that and keen to ensure that it continues.

"In the meantime we will be writing to the Chief Constable to ask for a full report on Saturday’s events."

Mr Ryan, who represents the Shettleston ward, said the police presence was "over-the-top" for what appeared to be a "relatively peaceful gathering".

He also criticised the police for "kettling" to surround people at the protest. Mr Ryan said this was "not acceptable" and "totally disproportionate".

He added: "I have real and genuine concerns about criminality but surely there are other crimes more worthy of such police resources."

Strathclyde Police said in a statement: "Any accusations regarding the police response to the illegal procession on Saturday March 16 in the Gallowgate are completely inaccurate.

"Having reviewed the footage senior officers are entirely satisfied that the officers on the ground dealt with the situation in a professional and proportionate way. Indeed, officers showed great restraint given the level of aggression and abuse they received.

"We are disappointed that a number of high profile individuals have chosen to criticise our actions in the media before approaching us to discuss the police response.

"We would be happy to make this footage public were it not for the fact that 13 arrests have already been made and its release would potentially be sub-judice."

QC's concern