Football fans urged to stay at home after Rangers breach

Scotland’s justice secretary has urged football fans to obey the “stay at home” message for public health reasons after Rangers supporters broke lockdown rules for an ‘early title party’.

On Saturday, a large group of fans gathered outside Ibrox Stadium ahead of Rangers’ match with St Mirren.

The Light Blues beat The Buddies 3-0, taking Steven Gerrard’s side one step closer to securing the Scottish Premiership title.

If Celtic drop points away to Dundee United on Sunday afternoon, Rangers will be crowned champions. However if the Hoops win at Tannadice, it then sets up a potential title showdown at Celtic Park on March 21.

SNS Group

With the title in sight, Rangers fans gathered in Glasgow to kick-start the celebrations – which featured singing and red, white and blue smoke bombs.

However, the early ‘title party’ was in breach of the Scottish Government’s coronavirus restrictions.

Under current Covid-19 rules, public gatherings are banned and a maximum of two people from two households are allowed to meet outdoors.

Football games are still taking place, but are behind closed doors with no fans.

Police Scotland said no one was arrested on Saturday.

The Scottish Government later stated it was “extremely disappointed” in the supporters, adding: “At this crucial stage of suppressing the virus, the actions of this minority of individuals jeopardises the safety of other supporters, the police on duty and the wider community.”

On Sunday, justice secretary Humza Yousaf urged Scots to stay at home.

He also stated that UEFA would be paying “close attention” in anticipation of the European Championships coming to Scotland.

He tweeted: “Our primary reason for asking fans to obey the stay at home message is for public health reasons.

“However, be in no doubt UEFA will also be paying close attention as the Euros are around the corner.

“Stay at home, otherwise you are putting your life, and many others in danger.”

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