Rangers Title 55: Should fans have gathered at George Square and Ibrox?

As police and political leaders pleaded with supporters to go home, warnings went unheeded and more and more fans decked in red, white and blue flooded to impromptu street parties.

Today questions will be asked - why weren't public gatherings dispersed swiftly, why weren't large crowds pre-empted.

But yesterday, against all coronavirus safety rules, the centre of Glasgow became host to a huge party of Rangers fans.

Just like the man with a bottle in each fist, plenty of other celebrating supporters were drinking in the civic centre.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 07: Rangers fans stand on the monument as they set off flares in George Square to celebrate their team winning the Scottish Premiership title on March 07, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images).

The mood was buoyant as fans chanted, sang and even played drums.

There was very little notice paid of current Covid-19 safety rules.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 07: Rangers fans gather in George Square to celebrate the club winning the Scottish Premiership for the first time in 10 years, on March 07, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Rangers took the title after Celtic failed to beat Dundee

Some supporters wore masks and stayed back at the edges of the square but there were handshakes, celebratory embraces and people packing together in a dense crowd.

Early in the afternoon fireworks were set off from the heart of George Square.

Again, paying no mind to the danger, men were seen holding rockets in their hand as they were lit and went shooting skyward.

As the afternoon turned to evening and the light dimmed, the fireworks became bigger and brighter.

By nighttime they could be seen exploding from across the city.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 07: Rangers fans gather in George Square to celebrate the club winning the Scottish Premiership for the first time in 10 years, on March 07, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Rangers took the title after Celtic failed to beat Dundee

Smoke bombs in red, white, blue and orange clouded the air above the party with dozens upon dozens set alight through the afternoon.

And red, white and blue confetti rained down over supporters and turned the grass from green to Rangers colours.

Among the hundreds of Rangers supporters gathering to mark their team's Title 55 win were families, bringing babies in buggies to the square and children sitting on their parents' shoulders.

Rangers fans celebrate outside of the Ibrox Stadium after Rangers win the Scottish Premiership title. Picture date: Sunday March 7, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Rangers. Photo credit should read: Robert Perry/PA Wire.

At points, large groups of teenagers came thronging towards the Square, rushing to get in among the celebrations.

Police vans and officers lined the four corners of George Square and four police horses waited patiently on Hanover Street as the party carried on.

The Police Scotland helicopter hovered overhead, keeping an eye on proceedings, before heading across to Ibrox to survey the scene there.

Flags were waved, wigs worn and two gents were dapper in suits entirely covered in Union Flags.

While the scenes at George Square were good natured and jubilant, occasionally sectarian songs started up before petering out.

Earlier in the afternoon celebrations had started at Ibrox.

Rangers fans celebrate outside of the Ibrox Stadium after Rangers win the Scottish Premiership title. Picture date: Sunday March 7, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Rangers. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.

Glasgow was given fair warning that the party had started as residents in all four corners of the city reported hearing fireworks exploding.

At Rangers's South Side ground, cars drove by beeping their horns; Rangers flags and scarves were being waved around and people were singing in celebration with the car windows down.

Around Ibrox itself, the streets were filled with people, cars and police officers.

Supporters of all ages were heading towards the stadium to join in the celebrations.

Rangers fans celebrate outside of the Ibrox Stadium after Rangers win the Scottish Premiership title. Picture date: Sunday March 7, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Rangers. Photo credit should read: Robert Perry/PA Wire.

Some fans were stopping to take selfies and pictures, and others were chanting and singing.

Meanwhile, some were keen to arrive as they hurried along the streets surrounding the stadium.

Flags that read “Champions” and “55” were on sale nearby - and these were seen being waved across George Square too.

When arriving at the stadium, Rangers fans were taunting their Celtic rivals by singing “Here we go, ten in a row. Here we go, ten in a row.”

Mental as Anything’s “Live it Up” lyrics were also heard as fans chanted the song.

At Ibrox, crowds had gathered with no social distancing in place. Again, some fans chose to wear masks while others did not.

Fireworks were being set off as well as red, white and blue flares. Police officers could be seen amid the large crowds.

Fans were waving flags and some even brought their pets along to join in.

Winston, a British Bulldog, had been decked out in a Union Jack flag attached to a harness that showed off his name.

There seemed to be no trouble as police stood by as fans, dressed in red, blue and white, celebrated.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 07: A fan cheers inside George Square as fans gather to celebrate their team winning the Scottish Premiership title on March 07, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images).

Fans were filming the scenes for their social media accounts as they lined the streets opposite the stadium.

The emotions were high as the fans celebrated the club’s first title win in 10 years.

Some headed off to George Square meanwhile others decided to stay put at Ibrox.

Despite repeated calls on social media for supporters to return home and celebrate privately, the party continued late into the night.

For some, it was an understandable desire to blow off steam after a run of disappointments for Rangers finally ended in victory, a happy event after a year of pandemic misery for everyone.

For others, it was an unforgivable show of selfishness, bringing the club into disrepute and raising questions about why Rangers didn't release a statement early in the day asking for fans to obey the law.

George Square has for decades hosted scenes of celebration and commiseration, been the backdrop to sombre events and joyous firework displays.

Last night the police helicopter was still circling the city, keeping a watch on the events below.

Yet more fireworks burst open on the city skyline.

One thing is for certain today: with the mix of Champers and Buckie, there's bound to be a few sore heads.

Will the jubilation last, however, or will there be regrets this morning as those who let themselves get carried away yesterday realise the consequences of flouting coronavirus laws?