Pictured
TITLE PARTY
Thousands of wild Rangers fans break lockdown to gather outside Ibrox ahead of title party with flares and smoke bombs
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THOUSANDS of Rangers fans have broken lockdown rules by gathering outside Ibrox to celebrate their impending Scottish title win.
Gers supporters turned up in huge numbers and set off flares and smoke bombs - hours before today's game.
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Manager Steven Gerrard was also mobbed as he drove towards Ibrox to take charge of the clash with St Mirren.
Fans marched past the main entrance of Ibrox in Glasgow singing about winning title number 55.
They also set off flares and let off red, white and blue smoke bombs in a pyro bonanza.
Supporters waved red, white and blue flags as they gathered in huge crowds outside their team's famous old stadium.
Footage also showed the supporters standing outside the stadium on Broomloan Road and Edmiston Drive getting into party mood.
Some of them were seen wearing masks, but a lot were not in a clear beach of lockdown rules.
Under current Tier 4 lockdown restrictions imposed by the Scottish Government, mass gatherings are banned.
The public have been urged not to leave their homes since the turn of the year, with Nicola Sturgeon hoping to ease lockdown towards the end of April.
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A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “We are extremely disappointed supporters have gathered at Ibrox today.
"At this crucial stage of suppressing the virus, the actions of this minority of individuals jeopardises the safety of other supporters, the police on duty and the wider community.
"We will continue to engage with Police Scotland and the club.”
Scottish Police Federation chairman David Hamilton said: "It’s really disappointing.
“They are putting the public and officers at risk. We do not have an option over whether we attend these types of incidents.
“Most of those attending will have been unvaccinated. The scenes from outside Ibrox were concerning and beggar belief.
“Cheering on your team is not more important that then safety of officers and the wider public.”
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Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland added: "About 10 am today, 6 March 2021 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."
Rangers have also been approached for comment.
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Gerrard's side beat St Mirren 3-0 on Saturday and will be crowned champions if Celtic drop points away to Dundee United on Sunday.
If the Hoops do manage to win at Tannadice, then it would set up a potential Celtic Park title showdown.
And with the Light Blues tantalisingly close, fans have gathered in their thousands to kick start the celebrations.
Rangers fans have waited ten years to see their side climb back to the top of Scottish football.
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After their demotion to the lower leagues in 2012, it's been a long road back for the Ibrox side.
However, this season they have been sensational under Gerrard and have romped to their first league crown since 2011 under Walter Smith.
Rangers vs St Mirren - Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Scottish Premiership match
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