Sturgeon brands fans breaking lockdown rules 'disgraceful'

The First Minister has branded Rangers fans who broke lockdown rules to celebrate the team’s Premiership win as “disgraceful”.

Police said a ‘small number’ of arrests had been made after fans gathered at George Square and Ibrox stadium in Glasgow following the team’s title win.

Fixed penalties have also been issued to those breaking coronavirus restrictions, behaving in a disordered manner and setting off pyrotechnic devices.

It is the second time supporters have broken lockdown rules in two days, after an early ‘title party’ was held outside Ibrox on Saturday.

Rangers fans have gathered at George Square in Glasgow to celebrate the team's title win. — Rangers fans have gathered at George Square in Glasgow to celebrate the team’s title win. SNS Group

On Sunday, fans began celebrating after Celtic drew with Dundee United, meaning Rangers cannot be caught at the top of the table and win their 55^th top flight title.

The First Minister congratulated the team on their win, but warned supporters gathering in crowds could “delay exit from lockdown for everyone else”.

As supporters continued to gather in public spaces across the city, Nicola Sturgeon later said the actions of those flouting restrictions was “infuriating and disgraceful”.

I share folks’ anger at this. Everyone has made so many sacrifices in the past year & seeing a minority risk our progress is infuriating & disgraceful. It is deeply unfair to the entire country, and the police have a hard enough job already. Please ask fans to go home @RangersFC https://t.co/haH5DAzhIh
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 7, 2021

She tweeted: “I share folks’ anger at this. Everyone has made so many sacrifices in the past year and seeing a minority risk our progress is infuriating and disgraceful.

“It is deeply unfair to the entire country, and the police have a hard enough job already.”

She added: “Please ask fans to go home Rangers FC.”