NICOLA Sturgeon has admonished fans of Rangers FC who have broken lockdown to celebrate their football team's victory in the Scottish Premiership.

The First Minister said the fans' behaviour was "infuriating and disgraceful" and called on the club to ask them to go home.

Celtic were today held to a goalless draw by Dundee United, meaning Rangers' 20-point lead at the top of the table is now unassailable.

As such, the team have won their 55th top flight Scottish title, and their first since 2011, ending Celtic hopes of achieving a historic tenth consecutive victory.

The news of Rangers clinching the title has led to crowds gathering in Glasgow, both in the city centre and outside the club’s stadium in Ibrox.

READ MORE: Humza Yousaf warns Rangers fans action could still be taken and Euro hopes 'into jeopardy'

Under current coronavirus restrictions, public gatherings are banned and a maximum of two people from two households are allowed to meet outdoors.

Football games are still taking place, but behind closed doors fans unable to attend.

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Pictures from PA (above) show police gathered alongside crowds of hundreds celebrating their team's victory outside Ibrox Stadium.

The Glasgow Times sent a reporter to George Square where scenes were only slightly smaller in scale.

Billowing smoke can be seen and shouting heard as people gathered in force despite lockdown restrictions.

In footage on Twitter large crowds are seen across Scotland with red, white, blue, and orange flares being set off, and even fireworks in some areas.

Responding to a Radio Clyde post showing the celebrations in the city’s George Square, the First Minister called for those present to think of others amid the pandemic.

She wrote: “I congratulate @RangersFC 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.

“If those gathering care at all about the safety of others & the country, they will go home.”

The scenes in George Square seemed to worsen as the evening wore on, leading the First Minister to renew her plea.

She wrote: "I share folks’ anger at this. Everyone has made so many sacrifices in the past year and seeing a minority risk our progress is infuriating and 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."

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Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf added: “I understand Rangers fans will be desperate to celebrate but please remember you must stay at home. No mass gatherings are allowed. We cannot risk any further spread of the virus.”

Police Scotland said they were aware of the gatherings and would be responding in "measured and appropriate" fashion.

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland confirmed a “small number” of arrests have been made.

He said: “We are continuing to police the ongoing gatherings of football supporters in both George Square and outside Ibrox stadium today.

“Public safety remains our utmost priority and I would again remind fans that, in line with the current Scottish Government coronavirus guidelines, all gatherings are currently restricted.

“Officers have made a small number of arrests and issued fixed penalty notices for breaches of the coronavirus restrictions, minor incidents of disorder and the use of pyrotechnic devices.

“We will continue with an appropriate policing response, as officers engage with those present, explain and encourage them to comply with the restrictions.

“Where appropriate, we have moved to enforcement and will continue to do so.”

READ MORE: Rangers crowned Scottish Premiership champions

The news follows from a preemptive “title party” held by Rangers fans on Saturday.

Ahead of the club’s match against St Mirren, a “large number” of fans gathered outside the Ibrox stadium in celebration.

Yousaf cautioned that the behaviour may put Scotland's ambitions of hosting Euro games later this year in jeopardy. He warned that people should be in no doubt that “UEFA will also be paying close attention as the Euros are around the corner”.

Speaking yesterday, Chief Superintendent Sutherland said: “About 10am today, March 6, a large number of supporters gathered outside Ibrox Stadium and a number of pyrotechnic devices were set off.

“Our priority is public safety and an appropriate policing plan was in place and officers engaged with those present to explain and encourage compliance with restrictions.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government added: “We are extremely disappointed supporters have gathered at Ibrox today.

“At this crucial stage of suppressing the virus, the actions of this minority of individuals jeopardises the safety of other supporters, the police on duty and the wider community.

“We will continue to engage with Police Scotland and the club.”