Humza Yousaf pleads with Rangers fans not to march across Glasgow

The SNP Justice Secretary said he has met with Ibrox bosses, Police Scotland and Glasgow city council, who united in urging fans not to attend a planned gathering outside Ibrox on Saturday. 

Credit: Colin Mearns (Image: Colin Mearns)

We told earlier how the Scottish Government welcomed an intervention from the Light Blues, who commanded their supporters not to gather in defiance of strict coronavirus rules. 

Mr Yousaf said: "Understand what an important season it has been for Rangers FC but I am urging fans not to gather during the trophy presentation on Saturday.

"I have had constructive engagement with [the club], Police Scotland and Glasgow city council - we're all urging fans not to gather, the virus has not gone away."

Glasgow's top cop earlier this week fired a warning to fans over the planned celebrations. 

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland reminded organisers that the plans were against the law and warned fans against going along for the party. 

He said: “Under the current restrictions no-one should be gathering in numbers of more than six at the stadium or any other location and Police Scotland supports the club in urging its fans to do the right thing and follow the coronavirus regulations around gatherings.”

The city’s top brass have a policing plan in place to “minimise any disruption to the community”, he added.

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “At this crucial stage of suppressing the virus, groups of people gathering together for whatever purpose jeopardises public safety and we strongly urge Rangers fans wishing to celebrate to do so responsibly, and in line with the restrictions in place.”

It will be a huge day for Rangers fans as they lift their first Scottish Premiership trophy in 10 years.