Rangers fans line the streets and let off flares despite lockdown

Rangers fans have taken to the streets to start early celebrations as they close in on a first Scottish Premiership title since 2011.

The Glasgow giants are 18 points clear at the top of the table and will be confirmed champions this weekend with a win over St Mirren if bitter rivals Celtic drop points against Dundee United on Sunday.

In anticipation of the title success, fans have packed the streets outside Ibrox ahead of the St Mirren game, despite not being allowed to attend the match due to Covid restrictions.

Hundreds of ecstatic Gers fans gathered outside the main entrance of the ground with flags and flares and singing the club’s famous ‘follow, follow’ anthem.

Scotland remains in Tier Four lockdown meaning no more than two people from two households are allowed to meet outdoors at present.

Ch Supt Mark Sutherland from Police Scotland said: "About 10am a large number of supporters gathered outside Ibrox Stadium and a number of pyrotechnic devices were set off.

"I would remind supporters that in line with current Scottish government coronavirus guidelines, all gatherings are currently prohibited and we would urge members of the public to comply with these restrictions.

"Our priority is public safety and an appropriate policing plan was in place and officers engaged with those present to explain and encourage compliance with restrictions."

Twitter user rangersnt, from Glasgow, was also there and said: "Outstanding scenes, it's been such a long time since we have won the league, we don't want to miss out on one of the biggest moments in our history, to celebrate our teams achievements and (Rangers manager) Steven Gerrard getting us back to where we belong."

Asked about the coronavirus restrictions, he said: "It's up to everyone themselves and how they feel on the ongoing situation.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has previously criticised fans for gathering in large numbers.

After Celtic fans took part in a protest outside the club's stadium in November, she said: "We have advice against gatherings and every day I stand up here and say avoid crowded places.

"We have a limit on people coming together outside… so it stands to reason any group of people that are gathering together in a crowd are putting themselves and others at risk.

"Whether it's football fans, rugby fans, any other kind of sport fans or just people in general, please don't do it because right now, in the middle of this pandemic, it is a risky thing to do that puts you and other people at risk."

Steven Gerrard’s side are unbeaten in their 31 games this season and will look to wrap up their 55th title as early as possible.

Should Rangers fail to clinch the title this weekend, they could win it in dramatic fashion next weekend at the home of their old enemy.

Celtic, who had been on course to win a historic tenth Scottish title in a row, could potentially now be forced to look on as Rangers deny them of that record.

The Hoops have struggled this season and recently parted ways with manager Neil Lennon after a disappointing defence of the title.

For Rangers, the success will be the club’s first since the club went into administration in 2012 and had to climb back up the Scottish Football pyramid having been placed in the fourth tier.

Gerrard, who took the reigns at Ibrox in 2018, has led the club to two second-place finishes ahead of what will be his first major honour as a manager.

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