Nicola Sturgeon: Rangers fans ‘risk lives’ by gathering to celebrate Scottish Premiership title win

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has called on Rangers fans to cease public gatherings in the aftermath of the club’s Scottish Premiership title win.

Steven Gerrard’s side ended a 10-year wait for the top-flight trophy on Sunday as Celtic drew with Dundee United, ensuring ‘Gers’ lead at the top of the table will remain unassailable for what’s left of the season.

Celtic have won the Premiership every season since Rangers’ last triumph, having completed the domestic treble in each of the past four campaigns. But their dominance was finally halted by Rangers as the Ibrox club wrapped up the title with six games to spare, leading fans to gather outside the team’s stadium in celebration of the feat.

READ MORE: The evolution of Gerrard, by those who witnessed it

Sturgeon took to social media to criticise such gatherings, however, reiterating the “risk” to lives amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Scotland is currently in lockdown.

“I congratulate @RangersFC on the title win & recognise what a moment this is for fans,” Sturgeon tweeted.

“But gathering in crowds just now risks lives, and could delay exit from lockdown for everyone else.

“If those gathering care at all about the safety of others & the country, they will go home.”

Scotland’s Justice Minister, Humza Yousaf, shared the sentiment.

“Congratulations to @RangersFC - churlish not to recognise how well they have played this season,” he wrote on Twitter.

“I understand Rangers fans will be desperate to celebrate but please remember you must stay at home. No mass gatherings are allowed. We cannot risk any further spread of the [corona] virus.”