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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Kathleen Speirs

Old Firm fans praised by police for staying home as no arrests made at Parkhead

Old Firm fans were praised by police for staying away from Parkhead during their Scottish Premiership clash.

We told how a 'ring of steel' was placed outside Celtic park in Glasgow's east end while a huge police operation was launched in a bid to deter supporters from gathering at the stadium.

Greater Glasgow Police Division thanked both Rangers and Celtic, as well as supporters, for taking responsibility in preventing the spread of Covid-19 by not gathering outside the Hoops' home turf.

Rangers fans celebrate their league win at home after today's Old Firm clash (Victoria Stewart)

No arrests were made following the game that ended one all with goals from Gers star Alfredo Morelos and Celtic winger Mohamed Amine Elyounoussi.

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “I’d like to thank the vast majority of fans from both clubs who took responsibility to prevent the spread of coronavirus by staying at home and not gathering at Celtic Park or anywhere else.

“Where small groups of people did gather, officers engaged and encouraged them to disperse and return home.

“The clear message to all supporters as the football season continues over the coming weeks is to stay safe by staying at home and please do not gather in large groups.

Fans were praised by cops for staying home to celebrate (Victoria Stewart)

“I’m grateful for the co-operation and support from all clubs and we will continue to work with them and the Scottish Government to ensure the season can be completed safely.”

Ahead of the long-awaited clash, officers stood on guard near the fencing while mounted police lined the streets outside the ground.

Graffiti displaying the words "football without fans is nothing", but it remained very quiet in the east end of Glasgow before the match, with only a handful of fans showing up.

There were fears the game would be cancelled after thousands of Rangers fans breached lockdown rules to gather in the streets of Glasgow after their side were confirmed as Scottish Premiership champions on March 7.

However, it was rubber stamped by the Scottish Government with both Glasgow giants urging fans to stay home with messages from the likes of Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and Celtic caretaker manager John Kennedy.

It comes as no further Scots have died of coronavirus in the last 24 hours.

Figures announced by the Scottish Government on Sunday reveal 532 new cases of the virus have been identified overnight, bringing the total cases to 213, 529.

The latest figures mean that, since the start of the pandemic, 7,552 people have lost their lives to coronavirus in Scotland.

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