John Swinney has slammed Rangers fans for their "thuggish behaviour" after thousands broke covid lockdown rules in Glasgow on Saturday.
The Deputy First Minister said despite warnings being given from authorities supporters of the Govan club still decided to descend on Ibrox Stadium and George Square in the city centre to celebrate.
Political parties from all sides have criticised the conduct of supporters after broken glass and litter was strewn across the city following the celebrations.
Swinney, speaking on BBC's Good Morning Scotland, launched a blistering attack on the "vile anti-catholic bigotry" on display in the city over the weekend.
Police Scotland officers were injured throughout the day as they attempted to calm supporters.
So far 28 people have been arrested following the violence.
Swinney said: "They started off behaving peacefully and they then descended into thuggish behaviour in George Square.
"The conduct on Saturday was absolutely reprehensible.
"There was absolutely no need for them to gather whatsoever, the warning were given clearly by the government, Police Scotland and Rangers Football Club not to do so.
"15,000 fans did not follow that advice and some of them went on to behave in a loutish and thuggish fashion in George Square devastated property and circulating and express vile anti-catholic bigotry in the centre of Glasgow.
"The warnings were very clearly given, and were given by all interested parties and of course there will of course be action being taken as a consequence.
"Police officers were assault on Saturday which is completely unacceptable and that is a matter that will be pursued vigorously by Police Scotland."
