An official Police Scotland document has branded Glasgow Rangers’ players and staff as “disgraceful” following their celebrations when they beat St. Mirren earlier this year.
The Lowdown: Gers closed in on title
On March 6th, the Gers beat St. Mirren 3-0 at Ibrox to all but confirm their status as Premiership champions. Following the match, the players celebrated with supporters outside Ibrox from the stadium’s windows.
The title was confirmed to be going to Rangers the following day when Celtic could only draw 0-0 with Dundee United (The Guardian).
The Latest: Police Scotland slam Rangers
Now, an official document has been released through a Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Government which criticised the Gers supporters. The memo said (via The Daily Record):
“On conclusion of the event engagement with Police Scotland and Rangers FC continued to encourage the Club to strongly support a stay at home message.
“Whilst assurances were given this did not materialise.
“Further engagement did not result in any further statement relating to fan behaviour or responsibilities being issued, despite numerous statements encouraging celebration, including from the Manager.
“Both the Manager and players actively engaged from within the stadium with fans gathered in disgraceful displays of encouragement, in solid opposition to the public safety issues arising, to their responsibilities given the privileges under which football operates, and to the commitments they had made around public communications.”
The Verdict: Fashionable
At the moment, it seems to be fashionable to criticise Rangers. In this situation, the fans themselves had already congregated outside the stadium as the Gers won what would be prove to be a decisive match. It is only understandable that the players and staff would acknowledge their presence at Ibrox.
We have seen gatherings across Glasgow in recent weeks, such as the Solidarity for Palestine demonstration. Yet, despite that, it is only Rangers supporters that appear to be blamed for disregarding coronavirus regulations. It should not be one rule for some and another one for others, regardless of the reason for people taking to the streets.
In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this article.