Fans travelling to London ‘do not help’
Football fans travelling to London in huge numbers "does not help" the virus situation, Scottish Government minister Ivan Mckee has said.
However, speaking on The Sunday Show, Mr Mckee refused to be pressed into strongly criticising the fans who travelled south.
Thousands of Scotland fans gathered in central London on Friday ahead of the clash between Scotland and England at Wembley as part of the Euros championships.
Mr Mckee said: “Well, fans, like everyone else, should follow the rules and regulations absolutely should. That’s the way to beat the virus.
"There are Covid restrictions in place for very good reason and everybody, fans included, should follow these restrictions."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has previously criticised other football fans who have gathered in public places and, ahead of Friday’s game, urged Scotland fans without a ticket for the
match not to travel south.
However, when asked if he was “disappointed” when he saw the pictures of thousands of fans gathering in London, Mr Mckee said: “It doesn’t help the situation with regards to controlling the virus, absolutely.”
On Friday, Ms Sturgeon said: “The virus doesn’t care about football, it's not going to give you a free pass because you're there to celebrate the football match.”
She added: "It's only natural that many of us want to watch this game with friends. But please remember if you're watching the match continue to take care.”