uneasydaz
Well-Known Member
COPS are braced for an influx of Rangers supporters flouting Covid rules when their team lifts the league trophy next month.
Supporters have been told to “do the right thing” amid fears of a repeat of fans’ chaotic lockdown-flouting celebrations at Ibrox.
The Light Blues are expected to be presented with their 55th league trophy on Saturday May 15 when the Champions take on Aberdeen at home.
Despite “stay at home” rules being relaxed, a ban on mass gatherings is still set to be in place.
Insiders said a large police presence is expected at Rangers’ ground to prevent any repeats of last month’s mayhem.
A source said: “Planning is already underway on the basis there will be at least some fans who choose to gather at the stadium.
“But it is hoped, with similar club messaging we saw ahead of the Old Firm game, that crowds will stay away and celebrate safely at home.”
We told how Gers die-hards defied Covid rules on March 6 and 7 by gathering at Ibrox and George Square to celebrate clinching the title and ending Celtic’s 10-in-a-row bid.
It led to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her deputy John Swinney accusing club chiefs of not doing enough to prevent the mayhem.
Police Scotland also slammed shameful scenes that ended in 28 arrests.
Dozens of cops on duty at the celebrations had to take Covid tests and self-isolate amid concerns they may have been exposed to the deadly virus.
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Local Police Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “Appropriate policing plans are in place to maintain public safety ahead of events and football matches across the country.
“We will continue to liaise with our partners in the Scottish Government to ensure these matches can be completed safely and to minimise the risk to both our officers and the public.
“Police Scotland will also support football clubs in urging fans to take personal responsibility, do the right thing and follow the coronavirus regulations around gatherings.”
Old Firm fans were praised by cops for heeding pleas to stay at home for last month’s derby clash.
The fixture had been under threat after the row broke out between footie chiefs and authorities over the rowdy title celebrations.
But the match was given the go-ahead after Rangers and Celtic bosses laid down the law to supporters.
Supporters have been told to “do the right thing” amid fears of a repeat of fans’ chaotic lockdown-flouting celebrations at Ibrox.
The Light Blues are expected to be presented with their 55th league trophy on Saturday May 15 when the Champions take on Aberdeen at home.
Despite “stay at home” rules being relaxed, a ban on mass gatherings is still set to be in place.
Insiders said a large police presence is expected at Rangers’ ground to prevent any repeats of last month’s mayhem.
A source said: “Planning is already underway on the basis there will be at least some fans who choose to gather at the stadium.
“But it is hoped, with similar club messaging we saw ahead of the Old Firm game, that crowds will stay away and celebrate safely at home.”
We told how Gers die-hards defied Covid rules on March 6 and 7 by gathering at Ibrox and George Square to celebrate clinching the title and ending Celtic’s 10-in-a-row bid.
It led to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her deputy John Swinney accusing club chiefs of not doing enough to prevent the mayhem.
Police Scotland also slammed shameful scenes that ended in 28 arrests.
Dozens of cops on duty at the celebrations had to take Covid tests and self-isolate amid concerns they may have been exposed to the deadly virus.
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Local Police Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “Appropriate policing plans are in place to maintain public safety ahead of events and football matches across the country.
“We will continue to liaise with our partners in the Scottish Government to ensure these matches can be completed safely and to minimise the risk to both our officers and the public.
“Police Scotland will also support football clubs in urging fans to take personal responsibility, do the right thing and follow the coronavirus regulations around gatherings.”
Old Firm fans were praised by cops for heeding pleas to stay at home for last month’s derby clash.
The fixture had been under threat after the row broke out between footie chiefs and authorities over the rowdy title celebrations.
But the match was given the go-ahead after Rangers and Celtic bosses laid down the law to supporters.
