Rangers fans gather outside Ibrox despite lockdown
- Published
Watch: Rangers players go to gates to celebrate with fans outside
A large group of Rangers fans gathered outside Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow on Saturday despite lockdown rules.
Images posted on social media showed flares being set off and fans singing ahead of Rangers' game against St Mirren.
Under current guidance public gatherings are banned and a maximum of two people from two households are allowed to meet outdoors.
Rangers are currently one point short of winning the Scottish Premiership.
The team beat St Mirren 3-0 on Saturday and will claim the title on Sunday if Celtic do not win against Dundee United.
Football games are taking place behind closed doors with no fans in the stadium.
Following their win against St Mirren, some players made their way to the fence to celebrate in sight of fans who had made their way to the stadium.
Hundreds of supporters arrived at Ibrox on Saturday morning, with some seen crowding around a car entering the ground as police tried to hold them back.
'Public safety'
In a statement, Ch Supt Mark Sutherland from Police Scotland said: "About 10am a large number of supporters gathered outside Ibrox Stadium and a number of pyrotechnic devices were set off.
"I would remind supporters that 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.
"Our priority is public safety and an appropriate policing plan was in place and officers engaged with those present to explain and encourage compliance with restrictions."
No one has been arrested.
Flares were set off outside the stadium ahead of the game with St Mirren on Saturday
The Scottish government said it was "extremely disappointed" that some supporters had gathered at the stadium.
A spokeswoman added: "At this crucial stage of suppressing the virus, the actions of this minority of individuals jeopardises the safety of other supporters, the police on duty and the wider community. We will continue to engage with Police Scotland and the club."
Steven Gerrard's side are within one point of their first Premiership title in 10 years, having ended their city rivals' Celtic's hopes of a 10th championship win in a row.
'Do daft things'
Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson said he could "understand" the emotions that led some Rangers fans "to do daft things" and break lockdown guidelines to celebrate with their team.
He said: "It is a little disappointing when we consider what's going round the country, but these fans have been starved of success for so long and they just want some way to thank the team and Steven Gerrard.
"Obviously it's not right to do it in the numbers they did and it can't be excused, but we all do silly things when we get caught up in celebrations."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has previously criticised fans for gathering in large numbers.
After Celtic fans took part in a protest outside the club's stadium in November, she said: "We have advice against gatherings and every day I stand up here and say avoid crowded places.
"We have a limit on people coming together outside... so it stands to reason any group of people that are gathering together in a crowd are putting themselves and others at risk.
"Whether it's football fans, rugby fans, any other kind of sport fans or just people in general, please don't do it because right now, in the middle of this pandemic, it is a risky thing to do that puts you and other people at risk."
