RANGERS fans and Police Scotland have come under heavy criticism after thousands of supporters flouted lockdown rules in mass celebrations in Glasgow.
The city centre was littered with debris and rubbish, with nearby buildings vandalised, following a huge gathering in George Square. Memorial benches were also destroyed.
A total of 28 people were arrested, with officers confirming a number of minor injuries to members of the public, “some of which were as a result of intoxication”.
Glasgow has been attacked! pic.twitter.com/8WQ5iTjyoU
— Bun Beag Brian (@BunbegB) March 7, 2021
George Square has been cleared of litter/debris left by thousands who gathered last night, several memorial benches have been destroyed. #HeartNews pic.twitter.com/5Bax5VjdQm
— Heart Scotland News (@HeartScotNews) March 8, 2021
Celebrations began on Saturday at Ibrox as the team defeated St Mirren. The disorder continued into Sunday as huge congregations marched towards George Square, with reports of public drinking and vandalism.
READ MORE: Murdo Fraser hit by backlash over Rangers jibe at Nicola Sturgeon
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the scenes were “infuriating and disgraceful”, sparking fears the events could affect the timetable for the lifting of restrictions, or spark a spike in virus cases in the city.
Shambles. #GeorgeSquare pic.twitter.com/eKzuGGnOXL
— Amy McIntyre (@amzomac) March 8, 2021
Police Scotland has also come in for criticism for allowing the gatherings to go ahead, with videos circulating showing officers escorting fans into the city centre.
In response, Green MSP Ross Greer tweeted: “Expect Police Scotland to explain pretty quickly to Parliament why they decided to facilitate rather than disperse multiple mass gatherings during a national lockdown today.”
Expect Police Scotland to explain pretty quickly to Parliament why they decided to facilitate rather than disperse multiple mass gatherings during a national lockdown today. https://t.co/7TAtVqfvKk
— Ross Greer (@Ross_Greer) March 7, 2021
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon condemns 'disgraceful' Rangers fans' celebrations
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, defended the actions of his officers.
He said: “Despite the coronavirus regulations and the prohibition of gatherings, our officers were faced with a very difficult set of circumstances as many thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate across a number of different venues.
“Our priority was public safety and this included reducing the risk of disorder, road safety and effective crowd management among the complexities of a vociferous crowd. This included established crowd control measures to prevent serious disorder in multiple areas and protect the public.
“An appropriate policing response was in place throughout the day and officers continually engaged and encouraged compliance with coronavirus regulations.”
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said:
— Greater Glasgow Police (@GreaterGlasgPol) March 8, 2021
“On Sunday, 7 March, 2021, a pre-planned policing operation was instigated after Rangers FC were confirmed as league champions.”
Read more: https://t.co/6zNUUy42bR pic.twitter.com/h41aLsam5g
He added: “Over the course of the day a number of minor injuries were sustained by members of the public, some of which were as a result of intoxication.
“Where it was appropriate to do so officers moved to enforcement for a variety of offences including breaches of coronavirus regulations, acts of disorder, pyrotechnic use and a number of arrests for assaulting police officers and sectarian related breach of the peace.
“In total, 28 people were arrested and seven people were issued with fixed penalty notices or will be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
“I am grateful to our officers who showed great commitment and professionalism throughout the course of the day, many of whom put their own health at risk during a challenging set of circumstances.”
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