Police warn Rangers fans not to gather ahead of title march plan

Police have warned Rangers supporters not to gather at Ibrox or any other location ahead of the club’s trophy day this weekend.

The Light Blues will receive the Scottish Premier League silverware after playing against Aberdeen on Saturday.

A fan group has organised a title day march scheduled to leave the Glasgow stadium once the trophy has been lifted, making its way to George Square.

The Union Bears encouraged supporters to spread word of the planned gathering. But Glasgow’s police chief said an “appropriate policing plan” was in place and urged fans to “do the right thing” ahead of the game by not gathering in groups of more than six.

Rangers fans gathered at George Square as they were crowned champions on March 7 (Craig Foy/SNS Group) SNS Group

Thousands of football fans gathered at George Square on March 7 following the Ibrox side’s Premiership win in scenes described as “very difficult” to police. There were 28 arrests after the supporters gathered to celebrate singing, drinking and setting off fireworks. Five memorial benches were damaged in what the city council condemned as “deplorable” behaviour.

Rangers has repeatedly urged fans to stay at home and follow the coronavirus restrictions.

A post shared by the Union Bears group read: “The Unions Bears have organised a march to George Square on Saturday, Mary 15, (trophy day) to celebrate the club’s 55th league title.

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— Union Bears (@UnionBears_07) May 9, 2021

“We are unable to confirm an exact time but we will be outside Ibrox after the match and once the trophy has been lifted we will make our way to Govan Road/across from the Louden Tavern at Kinning Park.

“We would ask all supporters wishing to take part in the march to keep an eye out for members of the group outside Ibrox who will indicate when we are ready to head to the meeting point to begin the march.

“Please spread the word to all Rangers Supporters.”

The Aberdeen vs Rangers match kicks-off at 12.30pm on Saturday while spectators are still unable to cheers their sides on in the stadium due to restrictions.

Chief superintendent Mark Sutherland, divisional commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “Ahead of the match between Rangers and Aberdeen at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday, May 15, an appropriate policing plan is in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the community.

“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.

“We will continue to liaise with our partners, including the Scottish Government, to ensure these matches can be completed safely and to minimise the risk to both our officers and the public.”

“The sacrifices people have made have allowed for further easing of regulations, however, we continue to ask people to take personal responsibility and to use Greater Glasgow safely and respectfully.”