NICOLA Sturgeon says she was “utterly disgusted” by Rangers fans who “rampaged” through Glasgow city centre to celebrate their title win.
At least three officers were injured – one suffering a serious face wound – while trying to marshal ranks of unruly fans in the city on Saturday evening, and more than 20 people arrested so far.
Thousands defied Covid-19 warnings against large gatherings and massed in George Square to celebrate Rangers winning their first Scottish Premiership championship since 2011, setting off fireworks and flares and drinking in the street.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon condemned the "disgraceful scenes" and sectarian chanting among the crowd.
Footage on social media showed packs of fans brawling with each other, and launching traffic cones, plastic bollards and other missiles at lines of riot gear-clad police officers.
READ MORE: Jason Leitch: Rangers fans breaking Covid rules is 'so disappointing'
Sturgeon tweeted: “I’m understandably inundated with messages about y’day’s disgraceful scenes in Glasgow. Police still have a job to do, which restrains my comments to some extent – but to say I’m utterly disgusted by the Rangers fans who rampaged through the city would be an understatement.
“I’m also angry on behalf of every law abiding citizen. In normal times, the violence & vandalism, & the vile anti-Catholic prejudice that was on display, would have been utterly unacceptable. But mid-pandemic, in a city with cases on the rise, it was also selfish beyond belief.”
2/ I’m also angry on behalf of every law abiding citizen. In normal times, the violence & vandalism, & the vile anti Catholic prejudice that was on display, would have been utterly unacceptable. But mid-pandemic, in a city with cases on the rise, it was also selfish beyond belief
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 16, 2021
The SNP leader continued: "People across the country still living under the most difficult restrictions – not able to see family or attend weddings and funerals – are rightly furious at the irresponsible actions of a thuggish minority who seem to care little for the risks they pose to other people.
"Understandably people ask questions about if/how government and police can do more to prevent/tackle scenes like these, and there is a need to reflect. That said, @policescotland officers have my admiration & thanks for the job they did in difficult and dangerous circumstances."
Sturgeon then called on Rangers FC to take action to prevent a repeat of the carnage.
"I hope @RangersFC will also reflect on what more must be done to tackle this behaviour by fans, albeit a minority," she wrote. "However, ultimate responsibility lies with those who behaved in such a thuggish, sectarian and selfish manner. And that’s why we must let the police do their job."
READ MORE: Three police officers injured and 20 people arrested as Rangers fan celebrate title
Images showed George Square strewn with hundreds of broken bottles, plastic bags and spent flares after crowds were moved out of the area.
Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said on Sunday it was "disgraceful" that officers were subject to "the kind of thuggery we saw last night".
He tweeted: "Incidents of violence, disorder, anti-Catholic & any other hatred will be followed up."
Police formed a line and cleared the group from the area just after 9pm, with Police Scotland describing the fans' behaviour as "disgraceful".
"Our officers became the focus of the crowd's attention with missiles and flares being thrown at them," chief superintendent Mark Sutherland, Police Scotland's Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow, said in a statement.
"Our policing response has been proportionate. We have responded appropriately and consistently to the behaviour of those gathered.
"This disgraceful behaviour which clearly endangered public and officer safety could not be tolerated and officers dressed in full public order equipment and, after appropriate warnings were given, moved in to disperse those present.
"Although most of those present dispersed, a number remained and confronted officers with violence and aggression. Missiles were thrown and officers came under direct attack as George Square and the surrounding area was cleared.
"I strongly condemn the behaviour of these supporters who have not only placed our officers at risk but have sought to damage the image and reputation of this great city, especially during this critical period of the pandemic."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel