Police Scotland have warned Rangers fans off of gathering to celebrate their Trophy Day this weekend in comments which are alarmingly out of touch with the reality of the situation.
Lockdown protocols have been relaxed across Scotland and the situation now is miles better than it was in even March, when Rangers fans were lambasted by several government figures for gathering to celebrate the title being won.
Here’s what Police superintendent Mark Sutherland had to say [Scottish Sun]:
“Ahead of the match between Rangers and Aberdeen at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday, 15 May 2021, 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.”
Heading into the weekend – and with months of planning – this friction being generated by rival fans, the police and the government with Rangers is almost unsettling.
Let’s get this straight first and foremost – this is a celebration ten years in the making and a monumental moment in not just the history of Rangers, but in the lives of the club’s supporters.
The nature of the Police Scotland statement – necessary or otherwise – generates a level of discontent before any celebrations have even begun and for me sends out the wrong message.
Far from trying to resist the inevitable, should the powers that be – paid for by the taxpayer – not be trying to sensibly facilitate the celebrations instead?
At the time of writing, there has been no realistic or helpful advice given to Rangers fans regarding celebrating and all this latest statement does is increase friction between all parties.
Far from position these celebrations as the joyous, momentous occasions they are it feels like we’re effectively trying to criminalise them before they take place.
Fans will be taking to the streets to celebrate and shame on the police, the government and any other stakeholder should they actively stand against sensible attempts to facilitate them doing so safely and responsibly.
The police statement comes after a leading fans group invited fans to join a march from Ibrox Stadium to George Square after the team lifts the trophy this weekend.
