JASON Leitch has condemned scenes in Glasgow after thousands if Rangers fans defied coronavirus restrictions to celebrate the title victory.
The national clinical director said it was a “tough day” for Glaswegians to watch, as the city remains in Level 3 whilst lockdown eases for the rest of Scotland on Monday.
He told The Sunday Show: “It’s so disappointing to see people break rules, in whatever setting, for whatever reason.
“This virus has not gone away, we’re not joking, we’re not pretending, it’s absolutely real, and the risk – particularly just now in Glasgow – is quite high and Glasgow is fragile.
“You’ve seen us make an enormously difficult decision this week, on our advice, that has put a bit of Glasgow in the same level they’re at just now, and not allow them to move down.
READ MORE: Three police officers injured and 20 people arrested as Rangers fan celebrate title
“That seems like a tough day to watch that yesterday if you’re a business owner or if you’re a family waiting for lunch or dinner.”
Thousands of supporters took to the streets in celebration of Rangers' first Scottish Premiership trophy in a decade, with many marching from Ibrox to George Square despite warnings against large gatherings due to coronavirus.
Three police officers were injured and 20 people arrested after authorities dispersed large crowds of Rangers fans in central Glasgow due to “rising disorder”.
Police said fans became unruly with property damaged, people assaulted and missiles and flares being thrown at officers.
The leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken, said a “huge amount of broken glass and other debris” had to be cleared from George Square overnight.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf slams ‘selfish’ Rangers fans as thousands gather after title win
City council staff worked through the night to clear the area making it safe and accessible for the public.
Aitken stated that the “cost to the city is still to be calculated”.
@GlasgowCC staff have done a phenomenal job overnight to clear the huge amount of broken glass & other debris and make George Square safe and accessible again. My grateful thanks to them. They should never have had to, of course. The cost to the city is still to be calculated pic.twitter.com/G7UDFNAtMu
— Susan Aitken (@SusaninLangside) May 16, 2021
Leitch insisted that he is similarly concerned about Thursday’s demonstration on Kenmure Street and the Gaza protest planned in George Square this afternoon.
He explained: “I don’t care what it’s for, the pure public health advice is the same.”
Although he recognised some key differences including numbers of people, the ability to stay distanced, and wearing of face coverings.
“But let’s be clear, we’ve set the guidance at the level we’ve set it, for good public health reasons,” he added.
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