Steven Gerrard and his Rangers players' actions have been branded "disgraceful" by Police Scotland for their "display of encouragement" after they celebrated beating St Mirren earlier this year.
Documents released through a Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Government last night revealed officers from Police Scotland urged the club to put out a stay at home message as the celebrations ramped up with the Gers on the brink of winning the league.
Cops said assurances were given by officials at Rangers but they did not materialise, according to the memo.
Ahead of the Scottish Premiership fixture, on March 6, police were told by the club "no such activities would happen" with regard to encouraging fans to celebrate.
However, police said the Gers "actively engaged" in statements that egged the supporters on, instead of sending out a stay at home message.
In the damning memo, Superintendent Emma Croft and Chief Supt Mark Sutherland said: "On conclusion of the match a small number returned to continue the celebrations, the Rangers Team engaged the crowd through gates and by hanging out of open windows despite assurances from the Club that no such activities would happen. 2 arrests were made during the event for minor disorder.
"On conclusion of the event engagement with Police Scotland and Rangers FC continued to encourage the Club to strongly support a stay at home message.
"Whilst assurances were given this did not materialise.
"Further engagement did not result in any further statement relating to fan behaviour or responsibilities being issued, despite numerous statements encouraging celebration, including from the Manager.
"Both the Manager and players actively engaged from within the stadium with fans gathered in disgraceful displays of encouragement, in solid opposition to the public safety issues arising, to their responsibilities given the privileges under which football operates, and to the commitments they had made around public communications."
The documents were released following the scenes on March 6 and then a day later on March 7 when Rangers fans descended on Ibrox and then George Square.
On March 6, the Gers beat St Mirren 3-0 at Ibrox which left the team within one point of winning the Scottish Premiership title. A failure by Celtic to win the next day against Dundee United would have seen Rangers clinch the title.
Prior to the Buddies game, thousands of supporters gathered outside the stadium in anticipation. Following the match, fans stuck around and were seen celebrating in the streets, breaching strict covid lockdown rules.
After the final whistle Steven Gerrard and some of his players were spotted peering out the dressing room window from the stadium, enraging the police force.
Players also approached the gates inside the stadium where fans were gathered at the other side.
Rangers FC and Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
