Football pitches have been sealed off after rule-breaking adults and teenagers staged rogue matches.
Groups sneaked onto the synthetic surfaces at various East Renfrewshire locations at the weekend.
It has even been claimed some games had been properly organised and were not just random matches.
As well as full-sized and five-a-side pitches, the multi-use games facilities at primary schools are now also out of bounds.
East Renfrewshire Council acted after police received “multiple reports” of illegal games being staged.
There are pitches at Barrhead High and St Luke’s High, as well as synthetic surfaces at Carlibar Primary and Crossmill Park.
Players were flagrantly ignoring covid rules and sources say at some venues there were enough players to make up full teams.
Currently, only two people can meet outside for recreation if they don’t live together.
However, children aged 11 and under are still free to meet in large numbers.
The facility at Cowan Park – where there have been previous problems – has also been sealed off.
A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council confirmed staff are locking up all the pitches, which are normally left open for community use when there are no hires.
He said: “Following multiple reports to Police Scotland of groups of adults and older children gathering over the weekend, and in some cases undertaking organised sports events, we have taken the decision to close our pitches to the public.
“These gatherings pose a risk to public health and we urge everyone to follow the restrictions currently in
place.”
Reacting to social media comments, the council said: “We must all stick to the rules to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t just individuals or younger children using them. It was groups of older children and adults.
“We didn’t take the decision lightly, but felt it was necessary to protect public health.
“While we know most people are sticking to the rules, there are those who are not and we have to work to prevent this.”
The action received a backlash from some parents on Twitter, with one dad saying: “Me and my son regularly attend during the day to use the pitch and now we are having this removed from us.
“Absolute joke.”
Laura Stoddart said she was really disappointed, adding: “This will only impact on the play parks and make them more crowded.
“Local children use this area for their outdoor exercise which has helped them so much during this time .. what a start to #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek.”
