Greater Glasgow Police make 28 arrests after thousands of Rangers fans broke coronavirus regulations

Greater Glasgow Police’s handling of Rangers fans’ title celebrations has been criticised after just 28 people were arrested following the gathering of thousands in Glasgow on Sunday to celebrate winning the Scottish Premiership.

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, divisional commander for Greater Glasgow, said a further seven people were issued with fixed penalty notices or will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Scotland is currently under tier 4 restrictions, which means mass gatherings are banned and the public are urged not to leave their homes amid the pandemic.

Police Scotland have arrested 28 people after thousands of Rangers fans gathered in Glasgow on Sunday to celebrate their Scottish Premiership triumph  

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland said a further seven people were slapped with fines

Sutherland said in a statement released on Monday morning: ‘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.’

He said a number of minor injuries were sustained by members of the public, some through 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,’ Sutherland added. 

The Scottish Government previously condemned fans for gathering outside the stadium

‘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.’  

Users on social media were unimpressed with the police’s handling of the weekend celebrations, with one tweeting in response to the statement: ‘The public wasn’t protected. No doubt most of these “fans” have children & schools/nurseries have now returned. 

Some users on social media were unimpressed with Greater Glasgow Police’s statement 

‘Community transmission is still out there, which can lead to deaths, & they disregarded that threat. That is *criminal*’ 

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon condemned fans gathered on Sunday, tweeting: ‘I congratulate Rangers 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. 

 Other social media users labelled the supporters who attended ’embarrassing’ and a ‘disgrace’

Scotland is under tier 4 restrictions, which bans mass gatherings (pictured: Nicola Sturgeon)

‘If those gathering care at all about the safety of others & the country, they will go home… 

‘I share folks’ anger at this. Everyone has made so many sacrifices in the past year & seeing a minority risk our progress is infuriating & disgraceful. 

‘It is deeply unfair to the entire country, and the police have a hard enough job already. Please ask fans to go home @RangersFC’