After being congratulated by the First Minister, escorted into George Square by Police Scotland, hugging bears from across the city while singing your hatred for various sections of society there was only one thing left for jubilant Billy to do. Enjoy a punch up and fight with random Billy’s to round off a perfect day.
The actions of Ibrox fans was easily predictable, they had warmed up on Saturday with the endorsement and support of their club who interacted through the manager and players.
In a normal society there would be a clampdown, Police resources would have heeded the call and drafted in reinforcements to the city. Especially in a global pandemic with the numbers falling and the law abiding 95% getting encouraging noises of a relaxation of restrictions.
Scotland shame. pic.twitter.com/OP69mdNzeE
— Tam (@coybig6721) March 7, 2021
This tweet has now been deleted by @GreaterGlasgPol . It was posted earlier this afternoon at approx. 15:20. (Although it might even have been 14:20 as I’m an hour ahead here). It shows they clearly knew what to expect, yet failed to issue even a strongly worded warning pic.twitter.com/G4illx66JU
— ?CarlJungleBhoy? (@CarlJungleBhoy) March 8, 2021
As someone brought up in Ayrshire and the MSP for Glasgow Southside Nicola Sturgeon would be well aware of the mindset of a significant part of her constituency. If she needed a reminder, they go marching every summer. She ‘recognised what a moment this is for fans’.
That tweet was made soon after Police Scotland had tweeted that they were aware of plans to congregate in George Square. Rather than defend the city landmark and uphold the law of the land Police Scotland escorted the law breakers into the city centre.
Terrified residents contacted Sandra White, their MSP who was clearly kept out of the loop with other priorities for those apparently in control.
I congratulate @RangersFC on the title win & recognise what a moment this is for fans. 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. https://t.co/MjzJJEhhsd
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 7, 2021
Ok Police what are you doing about the anti social behaviour still going on in City Centre seriously Qs need to be asked and answers forthcoming. BTW would be good to get a reply back
— Sandra White (@SandraWhiteSNP) March 7, 2021
We now have helicopters had Police horses earlier , people still drinking in the street , I’ll be asking just how much this so called Policing cost and if Football Club will be paying for it
— Sandra White (@SandraWhiteSNP) March 7, 2021
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “We are continuing to police the ongoing gatherings of football supporters in both George Square and outside Ibrox stadium today (Sunday, 7 March).
Read more: https://t.co/Foj7dMAccL pic.twitter.com/3tx1WiaFF9
— Greater Glasgow Police (@GreaterGlasgPol) March 7, 2021
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said:
“We are now asking people to disperse and make their way home from George Sq. For those not in attendance, please do not make your way to Glasgow City Centre.https://t.co/a8PPeG0k0X pic.twitter.com/Wm5Djrpp03
— Greater Glasgow Police (@GreaterGlasgPol) March 7, 2021