Police have confirmed they made 28 arrests after Rangers fans gathering following their team's title victory in Glasgow on Sunday.
Hordes of fans gathered at both Ibrox and George Square after the team's league title was confirmed, despite strict 'stay at home' orders remaining in place amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Nicola Sturgeon was among those to hit out at supporters, suggesting their actions, which she branded 'infuriating and disgraceful', could delay lockdown lifting in the city.
Glasgow police chief Mark Sutherland today said his officers faced 'a very difficult set of circumstances' as he confirmed a variety of offences had taken place including 'breaches of coronavirus regulations, acts of disorder, pyrotechnic use and a number of arrests for assaulting police officers and sectarian related breach of the peace.'
As well as the arrests, seven people were issued with fixed penalty notices.
The Chief Superintendent this morning commented: “On Sunday, 7 March, 2021, a pre-planned policing operation was instigated after Rangers FC were confirmed as league champions.
“Despite the coronavirus regulations and the prohibition of gatherings, our officers were faced with a very difficult set of circumstances as many thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate across a number of different venues.
“Our priority was public safety and this included reducing the risk of disorder, road safety and effective crowd management among the complexities of a vociferous crowd. This included established crowd control measures to prevent serious disorder in multiple areas and protect the public.
“An appropriate policing response was in place throughout the day and officers continually engaged and encouraged compliance with coronavirus regulations.
“Over the course of the day a number of minor injuries were sustained by members of the public, some of which were as a result of intoxication.
“Where it was appropriate to do so officers moved to enforcement for a variety of offences including breaches of coronavirus regulations, acts of disorder, pyrotechnic use and a number of arrests for assaulting police officers and sectarian related breach of the peace.
“In total, 28 people were arrested and seven people were issued with fixed penalty notices or will be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
“I am grateful to our officers who showed great commitment and professionalism throughout the course of the day, many of whom put their own health at risk during a challenging set of circumstances.”
