Sturgeon urges fans to go home after title win

SCOTLAND’S First Minister congratulated Rangers on winning the Scottish Premiership title but urged fans who had gathered to celebrate to go home.

Nicola Sturgeon warned that the mass gatherings could delay the easing of coronavirus lockdown.

She tweeted: “I congratulate @ RangersFC on the title win & recognise what a moment this is for fans.

“But 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.”

Earlier Scotland’s Justice Minister and police warned Rangers fans not to gather in numbers after their team won the Premiership title.

Rangers were crowned Scottish champions – their first title in 10 years – after Celtic were held to a draw with Dundee United yesterday.

Groups of fans had gathered at Ibrox Stadium and set off flares in George Square in Glasgow city centre. Officers said they were aware of “planned events” at the stadium and in the city centre.

Scotland’s Justice Secretary, Humza Yousaf, asked fans to stay at home. He wrote on Twitter: “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.” He warned that “Uefa will also be paying close attention as the Euros are around the corner”.

Hampden Park in Glasgow is due to host some games of the delayed 2020 European Championships in the summer.

Police Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, divisional commander for the Greater Glasgow Division, said: “We are aware of proposed gatherings in both George Square and outside Ibrox stadium.

“In line with current Scottish Government coronavirus guidelines, all gatherings are currently prohibited and we would urge members of the public to comply with these restrictions.”

On Saturday, fans gathered in numbers outside Ibrox setting off flares.