JOHN Swinney criticised football fans for breaking social distancing rules at the Scotland victory last night.
Footage posted on Twitter showed customers hugging at The Draft Project last night as Scotland secured their place at Euro 2020.
READ MORE: Tory donor's Aberdeen bar blasted for lack of social distancing
The bar, owned by PB Devco which also runs the nearby Soul Bar, was one of 28 venues linked to Aberdeen’s coronavirus cluster outbreak in August.
PB Devco donated £20,000 to the Conservative and Unionist Party on May 22, 2017, just weeks before the UK election.
Swinney was asked about the issue at the coronavirus media briefing.
He said football fans have a natural desire to celebrate, but the virus is a “very real threat” as today’s “terrible” statistics show.
Swinney said: "This virus does not rest. Yes, we want to celebrate but we all have to understand what the virus needs is human contact.
“If we let our guard down the virus will have an opportunity to spread”
He added: "We can look forward to enjoying in happier times, when we've got the better of the virus, some of the celebrations that we all look forward to in the years to come."
READ MORE: Kevin Stewart calls for Aberdeen Council to investigate scenes at Tory donor's bar
Swinney congratulated the Scotland men's football team on reaching the Euro championship finals next year.
"It is a magnificent achievement and a real piece of bright good news for us all," the Deputy First Minister said.
"After a very tough year, the team have given the whole nation a lift - at a time when we really needed it - and we can all now look forward to Scotland taking part in the tournament next year after such a long break from these competitions."
READ MORE: Covid in Scotland: 56 deaths recorded as positive cases rise to 1357
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