Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has strongly criticised some Rangers fans for their behaviour in celebrating the Premiership title.
Three police officers were injured and 20 people were arrested following hours-long celebrations in Glasgow city, as fans threw flares, damaged property and ended up fighting with bottles.
The supporters had made their way from Ibrox to George Square to celebrate Rangers' first title in 10 years. They beat Aberdeen 4-0 on the day.
Sturgeon has expressed her outrage in a statement today, calling on a 'minority' of Rangers fans who caused trouble as 'thuggish' and 'sectarian' and has called on Rangers as a club to do more.
5/ I hope @RangersFC will also reflect on what more must be done to tackle this behaviour by fans, albeit a minority. 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.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 16, 2021
Sturgeon lambasted the fans for their behaviour during the pandemic.
"I’m understandably inundated with messages about yesterday’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.
"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, Police Scotland officers have my admiration & thanks for the job they did in difficult and dangerous circumstances.
"I hope Rangers Football Club will also reflect on what more must be done to tackle this behaviour by fans, albeit a minority. 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."
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