RANGERS ignored repeated calls from police to warn fans against gathering in defiance of Covid rules, one of the country's top cops has said. 

The club was condemned for a "lack of support" by the police, which they say led to riotous scenes in the city as fans celebrated the club's title win. 

One of Scotland's top brass has hit out at club bosses for not putting out warnings to fans telling them to celebrate safely. 

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Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: "The behaviour which we saw at the weekend was disgraceful and I utterly condemn the individuals who chose to completely disregard the coronavirus regulations, putting both the wider community and our officers at risk.

“I also strongly condemn the lack of support from Rangers Football Club over the messages we repeatedly asked them to put out to persuade fans not to go out celebrating and encourage those who did gather in large numbers to return home."

He accused the Ibrox side of failing to "take seriously" their responsibilities "in terms of seeking to persuade their fans to celebrate safely and responsibly."

DCC Graham added: "I commend the officers who delivered a policing operation which was entirely consistent with our approach throughout this pandemic to maintain public safety and minimise disorder, disruption and damage to property.

“They did this faced with considerable danger, all of which was completely unnecessary and avoidable.

“Where large numbers of people gather at an unplanned event such as this we use established crowd control measures to ensure we are keeping the public safe and manage those who are refusing to disperse."

Police, he added, had been planning for the conclusion of the football season "for some time". 

We told how supporters had gathered in George Square to celebrate Rangers' first title win in ten years, in defiance of strict coronavirus lockdown rules.

Rangers FC was approached for comment.