Police arrested 28 people after thousands of Rangers fans flouted lockdown rules by celebrating the club’s Scottish Premiership title win in Glasgow.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had warned supporters their actions could lead to a delay in coronavirus restrictions being lifted.

Supporters had gathered at Rangers’ Ibrox stadium for the second day running on Sunday after the club won its first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years.

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, divisional commander for Greater Glasgow, said the celebrations led to 28 arrests.

He added a further seven people were issued with fixed penalty notices or will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

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

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Chief Superintendent Sutherland said: “Despite the coronavirus regulations and the prohibition of gatherings, our officers were faced with a very difficult set of circumstances as many thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate across a number of different venues.

“Our priority was public safety and this included reducing the risk of disorder, road safety and effective crowd management among the complexities of a vociferous crowd. This included established crowd control measures to prevent serious disorder in multiple areas and protect the public.

“An appropriate policing response was in place throughout the day and officers continually engaged and encouraged compliance with coronavirus regulations.”

Police said a number of minor injuries were sustained by members of the public, some through intoxication.

Footage had shown supporters waving flags and chanting as they gathered outside the Ibrox stadium over the weekend.

Public gatherings are banned and a maximum of two people from two households are allowed to meet outdoors under Scotland’s lockdown rules.

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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted on Sunday: “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.”

Rangers defeated St Mirren 3 – 0 at Ibrox on Saturday, which brought the title in sight. The silverware was secured after Celtic failed to win at Dundee United.

A noisy crowd had gathered outside the stadium before the St Mirren match, with fans banging on manager Steven Gerrard’s Range Rover.

Others set off flares which engulfed the front of the stadium in blue and red smoke.

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