Football fans urged not to flout virus rules as Old Firm clash looms

First Minister Ni cola Sturgeon has repeated her call for fans watching today’s Old Firm game not to break the rules and risk spreading Covid-19 – a plea echoed by the police.

The game at Celtic Park is the first between Celtic and Rangers this season and Ms Sturgeon has urged supporters to obey guidance despite being a “weekend when the temptation to bend the rules again will be at its strongest”.

At yesterday’ s daily briefing she specifically asked people not to go to someone else’s home to watch the match, gather outside the stadium, or travel to see the match, adding that “both clubs and the SPFL are emphasising these points”.

She said: “None of us should be going into each other’ s home sat the moment unless it is for essential purposes such as childcare or looking after a vulnerable person.

“Watching football, no matter how essential it might feel to some, does not fall into that essential category.”

Under current restrictions, pubs can only sell alcohol outdoors in Scotland and are closed entirely in the central belt.

In Aberdeen and elsewhere, some city centre bars are screening the 12.30pm match outdoors where alcohol can be served.

Superintendent Stevie Dolan said: “The chief constable has made it clear we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.

“Our officers will continue to engage with the public... we will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.”

Nicola Sturgeon: ‘watching football is not essential’.