Rangers fans descend on Ibrox after Premiership win
BBC News7 March 2021
Rangers fans have descended on Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow to celebrate the club winning the Premiership for the first time in 10 years.
Hundreds of supporters also made their way to the city's George Square to mark the achievement despite warnings to stay at home on Sunday.
The scenes prompted First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to warn that crowds risk lives and urged fans to go home.
Rangers took the title after Celtic failed to beat Dundee United.
The result gave Rangers an unassailable 20-point lead, with six games still remaining to be played.
Under current guidance, public gatherings are banned and a maximum of two people from two households are allowed to meet outdoors.
Football games are taking place behind closed doors with no fans in the stadium.
However, thousands of fans took to the streets, as some let off flares while others chanted and waved flags outside the club ground. In Glasgow city centre fans flocked to George Square to celebrate being crowned champions.
Police Scotland said they were aware of "planned events" at the stadium and city centre.
In a tweet, Nicola Sturgeon congratulated Rangers on the title win, but added "gathering in crowds just now risks lives, and could delay exit from lockdown for everyone else".
"If those gathering care at all about the safety of others & the country, they will go home," she tweeted.
Earlier in the day the justice secretary urged fans not to put lives at risk by flouting lockdown rules.
It is a world record 55th league title for the Glasgow giants
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said it would be "churlish" not to congratulate the team, but added: "I understand Rangers fans will be desperate to celebrate but please remember you must stay at home.
"No mass gatherings are allowed.
We cannot risk any further spread of the virus."
Mr Yousaf also warned that Uefa would be paying "close attention" in anticipation of the European Championships coming to Scotland.
He said fans should obey the "stay at home" message "otherwise you are putting your life, and many others in danger".
'Measured and appropriate'
Ch Supt Mark Sutherland reminded fans that coronavirus guidelines meant all gatherings were currently prohibited.He added: "An appropriate policing response is in place and officers are already using the approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging compliance with the restrictions."
He added: "Our response will be measured and appropriate. We understand fans want to celebrate but they must do so safely and lawfully. We continue to ask everyone to do the right thing to stop the spread of the virus."
Police said no arrests had been made after crowds of supporters gathered gathered at Ibrox on Saturday following the team's win against St Mirren.
Rangers fans celebrate at Ibrox
Following their win, some Rangers players made their way to the fence to celebrate in sight of fans outside.
Speaking on BBC Scotland's Sunday Show, Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross called the actions of fans outside Ibrox "completely wrong".
He added: "We've all done so much to get the virus rates down.
"I understand passions run high with football fans, but it clearly didn't match what we expect people to do during a Covid period, while many people still can't even leave their homes."
Rangers' Premiership win: 'Anger' over celebrating Rangers fans
Nicola Sturgeon joins criticism of crowds who gathered to celebrate Rangers' Premiership win.
www.bbc.co.uk
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