Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon condemned the ‘shameful’ behavior of Ranger fans after attacking and launching missiles at police officers as they celebrated their team’s first Scottish Premiership trophy in a decade.
At least three officers were injured – one with a serious facial injury – as they tried to muster ranks of unruly fans in Glasgow city center on Saturday evening, and more than 20 people were arrested until now.
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Rangers fans climbed the doors outside Ibrox as title celebrations on Saturday were in full swing
Thousands of people defied COVID-19 warnings against large gatherings and gathered in George Square to celebrate the Rangers winning their first Premiership title since 2011, setting off fireworks and flares and drinking in the streets .
Sturgeon condemned the “shameful scenes” and sectarian chants among the crowd, adding, “To say that I am completely disgusted by the Ranger fans who ransacked the city would be an understatement.”
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Thousands of Ranger fans defied COVID-19 restrictions to celebrate
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Rangers won their first title in a decade as fans took to downtown
Images on social media showed groups of flag-draped fans attacking each other and hurling traffic cones, plastic bollards and other missiles at lines of police officers dressed in riot gear .
The footage showed George Square strewn with hundreds of broken bottles, plastic bags and flares after crowds were moved out of the area around 9 p.m.
A source from the Accident and Emergency Department told the PA News Agency that a man arrived at the hospital “missing half of his hand” after fireworks he was holding exploded .
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Sturgeon hit ‘shameful’ Ranger fans
Scottish police have called the behavior of some fans “shameful”.
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, the divisional commander of Greater Glasgow, said in a statement: “Our officers have become the center of the crowd’s attention with missiles and flares launched at them.
“Although most of those present dispersed, a number remained and confronted the officers with violence and aggression.
“Missiles were launched and officers were directly attacked as George Square and the surrounding area was cleared.”
Deputy Police Chief Will Kerr said on Twitter that “many more arrests will follow in the coming weeks.”
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A number of arrests have been made with more to come, police say
Ms Sturgeon said on Twitter: “In normal times the violence and vandalism, and the vile anti-Catholic prejudices that were being exhibited, would have been totally unacceptable. But in the midst of the pandemic, in a city with rising cases, it was also selfish beyond belief.
“People across the country who still live under the most difficult restrictions – unable to see their families or attend weddings and funerals – are rightly enraged at the irresponsible actions of a rogue minority who seem to care. little of the risk they represent for others.
Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said on Sunday it was “shameful” that officers were subjected to “the kind of brutality we saw last night”.
He tweeted: “Incidents of violence, disorder, anti-Catholic and any other hatred will be followed up.”
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Fans launch fireworks and flares amid the celebrations
Rangers beat Aberdeen 4-0 at Ibrox before recovering silverware from the Scottish Premiership. Fans had been warned of a rally to celebrate due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in Glasgow.
However, thousands of supporters outside Ibrox were cheering and chanting as the Rangers players arrived for the kick-off at 12:30 p.m., before marching into the heart of the city after the game.
On Friday night, many Rangers fans lit red rockets simultaneously along the River Clyde in the city as they marked the end of the season.
