Nicola Sturgeon has responded to the scenes of Rangers supporters gathering in George Square en masse to celebrate the Ibrox club's confirmation as Scottish Premiership title winners earlier this afternoon.
Fans have descended on George Square as well as outside Ibrox stadium en masse this afternoon - despite police warnings that all gatherings are currently prohibited under the ongoing coronavirus lockdown restrictions in place across the country.
And the gatherings have prompted Glasgow Subway to temporarily close Govan, Ibrox, and Cessnock subway stations while police clear a crowd gathering in the area at the request of both British Transport Police and Police Scotland.
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The First Minister tweeted: "I congratulate Rangers FC on the title win & recognise what a moment this is for fans. But gathering in crowds just now risks lives, and could delay exit from lockdown for everyone else.
"If those gathering care at all about the safety of others & the country, they will go home."
Her comments come after Police Scotland issued a statement on the gatherings, saying that a "measured and appropriate" police response would be in place.
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “We are aware of proposed gatherings in both George Square and outside Ibrox stadium on Sunday, 7 March, 2021.
“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.
"An appropriate policing response is in place and officers are already using the approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging compliance with the restrictions.
“Our response will be measured and appropriate. We understand fans want to celebrate but they must do so safely and lawfully. We continue to ask everyone to do the right thing to stop the spread of the virus.”
