Police have confirmed that three officers have been injured and 20 people have been arrested after authorities dispersed a large crowd of Rangers fans celebrating in Glasgow due to “rising disorder”.
Thousands of supporters took to the streets to celebrate Rangers winning the league, with many marching from Ibrox to George Square despite warnings against large gatherings due to coronavirus.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf: Rangers fans 'selfish and irresponsible'
After supporters celebrated in the square for hours on Saturday – singing, dancing and setting off fireworks despite Covid guidance and calls from police to disperse– police said some fans became unruly, with property damaged, people assaulted and missiles and flares being thrown at officers.
A line of police moved in just after 9pm (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Police formed a line and cleared the group from the area just after 9pm, with Police Scotland describing the fans’ behaviour as “disgraceful”.
“Our officers became the focus of the crowd’s attention with missiles and flares being thrown at them,” chief superintendent Mark Sutherland, Police Scotland’s Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow, said in a statement.
“Our policing response has been proportionate. We have responded appropriately and consistently to the behaviour of those gathered.
“This disgraceful behaviour which clearly endangered public and officer safety could not be tolerated and officers dressed in full public order equipment and, after appropriate warnings were given, moved in to disperse those present.
Hundreds of Rangers fans gathered outside Ibrox during the game (Robert Perry/PA)
“Although most of those present dispersed, a number remained and confronted officers with violence and aggression. Missiles were thrown and officers came under direct attack as George Square and the surrounding area was cleared.
“I strongly condemn the behaviour of these supporters who have not only placed our officers at risk but have sought to damage the image and reputation of this great city, especially during this critical period of the pandemic.”
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf called the gatherings in Glasgow “selfish and irresponsible behaviour” which put lives at risk.
READ MORE: Glasgow: Rangers fans take Clyde Arc by storm
Our Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, has issued the following statement following the scenes across Glasgow today.
See https://t.co/NQngZA97Ex pic.twitter.com/qbyl2oJAo1
— Greater Glasgow Police (@GreaterGlasgPol) May 15, 2021
“I understand the significance of this day for Rangers fans but I am extremely disappointed that supporters have once again ignored Covid regulations and chosen to gather in large numbers in Glasgow,” Mr Yousaf said.
“This selfish and irresponsible behaviour endangers the lives of others – supporters, the police on duty and the wider community.”
Earlier on Saturday, Rangers defeated Aberdeen 4-0 at Ibrox before collecting the Scottish Premiership silverware.
Two fireworks were just set off in the middle of this crowd of Rangers fans in George Square, quite a few flares too, really swelling in numbers now pic.twitter.com/iPiweyEAo4
— Thomas Hornall (@Thomashornall) May 15, 2021
Fans had been warned against gathering to celebrate due to rising Covid-19 cases in Glasgow.
Police Scotland had called on fans gathered at Ibrox to “disperse and take personal responsibility”.
After the trophy was lifted, many fans made their way into the heart of Glasgow.
After the match, many Rangers fans headed from Ibrox to George Square (Andrew Milligan/PA)
The Union Bears fan group had earlier announced plans to walk from the stadium to George Square.
On Friday night, scores of Rangers fans lit red flares simultaneously along the River Clyde in the city as they marked the end of the season.
In an earlier statement on Saturday, chief supt Sutherland said: “We understand the importance of football in Glasgow, how it connects our communities and, is for many, a culture and a way of life.
The fans gathered despite being advised not to do so (Robert Perry/PA)
“We are, however, still in the midst of a pandemic and under coronavirus restrictions people should not be gathering for any reason.”
He said a request for a fan procession to the city centre had been declined, but police later decided to escort large groups of supporters as they made their way to George Square in order to minimise disruption.
While some arrests were made in the afternoon for anti-social behaviour, chief supt Sutherland said due to the largely peaceful nature of the crowd at that time “it would not be proportionate for our resources to use a high level of force through public order policing to disperse those gathering”.
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