A serving police officer who was caught breaching lockdown restrictions while partying with Rangers fans while off duty has been fined.
Constable Ross Fowler was pictured among thousands of fans in Glasgow city centre, in scenes that were condemned by police chiefs.
He was celebrating Glasgow Rangers winning the Scottish Premier League in George Square.
Wearing a light blue hoodie, he can be seen with arms outstretched in the middle of the square as other revellers clamber over a nearby statue.
Thousands descended on the city centre on Saturday to celebrate the club’s Premiership title win despite warnings about a surge in Covid cases in the city, the Daily Record reports.
Several arrests were made amid scenes First Minister Nicola Sturgeon branded “selfish” and “disgusting” as the occasion spilled over into disorder and violence.
Fowler, who is based in North Lanarkshire, was hit with a fixed penalty fine and is facing disciplinary procedures by the force’s Professional Standards Department.
A police source said: “Cops were warned by bosses not to attend if they were off-duty because we are still under Level 3 restrictions. He probably thought he’d be safe in numbers but he’s been incredibly naive to think he wouldn’t be spotted by someone.
“He’s likely to face some kind of disciplinary action and has put his career at risk by going. He’s not been a cop long but that’s no excuse. The fact he is right in the thick of the crowd celebrating also puts his team at risk when he returns to work. He’s been very silly.”
Police are investigating but it is understood Fowler has not yet been suspended or put on restricted duties.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of images circulating online and following inquiries, a 23-year-old man was given a fixed penalty notice for breaching coronavirus regulations. The circumstances will be considered by the Professional Standards Department.”
Steven Gerrard’s side won the league for the first time in a decade and got their hands on the trophy for the first time after their win over Aberdeen.
It marked the end of 10 years of Celtic dominance and celebrations spilled out across Glasgow, with some turning to violence late on Saturday night.
Former justice secretary Humza Yousaf said Rangers could have given stronger messaging to fans to prevent the scenes from happening but Rangers claimed they tried to stop the mass gathering by asking the Scottish Government to allow 10,000 fans into Ibrox on Saturday.
It’s estimated about 15,000 fans gathered outside the stadium before moving to George Square.
Police Scotland strongly condemned the scenes in George Square.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said Police Scotland had arrested 28 people and will be identifying others and sharing that information with Rangers.
He said: “I don’t think the supporters that engaged in that type of behaviour are the type of supporters that Rangers would want associated with them.”
Asked if he was saying they should be banned, ACC Ritchie said: “Absolutely.”
Rangers strongly condemned the scenes in George Square, saying: “Sadly, a small minority of people behaved inappropriately and in a manner not reflective of our support.
“Some of the scenes have besmirched the good name of Rangers Football Club.”
Police Scotland said they will continue to make arrests following the violence
