Police make just TWENTY-EIGHT arrests and hand out SEVEN fines to the thousands of Rangers fans slammed for partying and trashing the centre of Glasgow to celebrate winning the title during lockdown
- Rangers fans turned out in their thousands to celebrate their title triumph
- Steven Gerrard’s side claimed their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years
- Police have now confirmed the arrests of 28 people for breaking lockdown
- The Scottish Government and social media users slammed spectators gathered
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.
He said: ‘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.
Police Scotland have said 28 people were arrested after thousands of Rangers fans gathered in Glasgow on Sunday to celebrate their Scottish Premiership triumph
Police turned up to try and scatter the celebrating masses outside Rangers’ Ibrox stadium
‘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.
The Scottish Government previously condemned fans for gathering outside the stadium
‘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.
‘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.’
More to follow…