Police in storm over Rangers crowds decision

POLICE Scotland said it’s “not in the public interest” to reveal tactical discussions that took place ahead of Rangers title win – after thousands of fans gathered on the streets.

The force has confirmed correspondence between Rangers Football Club, Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, and senior officers will not be revealed.

Police warned releasing it would “compromise operational policing” and provide criminals with knowledge of key policing methods.

But the decision has been slammed by politicians who said the correspondence should be released in the interests of transparency.

Thousands of Rangers fans took to the streets of Glasgow on March 6 and 7 and were condemned by politicians and senior police officers.

Justice secretary

Humza Yousaf labelled the scenes “shameful”, while SNP MSP Sandra White claimed the approach taken by the police had failed to protect the public.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone insisted the police took “appropriate steps”.

And leading lawyer John Scott QC, who was commissioned to undertake a review of the policing approach by Police Scotland, found officers had acted proportionately.

But the decision to keep the discussions between the main stakeholders was heavily criticised by opposition politicians.