JOHN Swinney has claimed Rangers FC were twice warned to tell supporters not to gather for title celebrations.

The Deputy First Minister called the weekend's scenes in Glasgow "shameful" and said fans who met in George Square and outside Ibrox Stadium risked spreading Covid-19.

He insisted Rangers had a "duty" to tell supporters they should not have come out to celebrate and said the hierarchy's silence was "deafening". 

In a statement today, the Light Blues did issue a reminder to fans while also pointing to the fact boss Steven Gerrard had on a number of occasions last week told supporters to follow the guidelines. 

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Mr Swinney said: "The behaviour of some fans has been an absolutely disgrace and has undoubtedly cast a shadow over what should have been a special day for the team.

"The success we have had in recent weeks in reducing case numbers is because so many people across Scotland have stuck to tough rules which are designed to prevent the spread of the virus.

"To see so many people deliberately flouting those rules with no regard for the safety of others is shameful.

"Events like yesterday risk spreading the virus.

"They show no regard or respect at all for the millions of households across Scotland who have been sticking to the rules.

"The Government and Police Scotland reminded Rangers of the need to advise fans to adhere to the current guidelines.

Glasgow Times: Rangers fans are celebrating the club's Scottish Premiership title triumph

"In discussions on Feb 26 and March 5. It is a matter of profound regret that that did not happen.

"The Scottish Government will be making our extreme disappointment of the lack of leadership clear to the team management and we will be speaking to all the authorities so they can give us assurances ahead of future planned games."

Mr Swinney added: "It would have been of essential advantage and the duty of Rangers to say clearly and simply to fans that they should not come out to celebrate.

"The silence from Rangers was deafening and that was a matter of profound regret.

"There should have been sustained messaging from Rangers throughout the weekend and that would have been helpful and a very clear signal. 

"There are thousands of individuals who should have followed their own sense of personal responsibility." 

A number of arrests were made while some damage was caused to benches in the city centre, which were removed by council officers this morning. 

"I understand many people have questions about the nature of policing," Mr Swinney continued. "I understand the anger of those living in the city centre. 

"Policing an occasion like that requires difficult judgements. 

"We will be speaking to Police Scotland to identify why yesterday was allowed to happen as it did." Glasgow Times: Rangers fans stand on the monument as they set off flares in George Square to celebrate their team winning the Scottish Premiership title

Rangers manager Gerrard had urged supporters to act safely during title celebrations and today the club issued another statement. 

It read: "During the last number of weeks, Rangers can confirm that we initiated open dialogue with key stakeholders in relation to the possibility of us achieving a historic 55th league title.

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"We have proactively engaged with our local MP, the Justice Minister, the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and the SPFL in relation to maintaining a cohesive message regarding public safety during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We understand the jubilance of our support across the world who recognise this has been a historic year for the club.

"Nevertheless, it has been of great frustration for all football fans across the world that they have not been able to watch their team within stadiums, especially for the loyal Rangers season-ticket holders who have stood by this football club through thick and thin in the last decade.

Glasgow Times: Rangers boss Steven Gerrard Rangers boss Steven Gerrard

"We reiterate the message from our manager, Steven Gerrard, who highlighted that fans should adhere to government guidelines – stay safe, socially distance and look after each other in this difficult time.

"We are aware there is the possibility of more, significant milestones within this season, and we will continue to proactively engage with key stakeholders to maintain a cohesive message in relation to government guidance at this present time.

"We look forward to further open dialogue with the government, police, SPFL and other key stakeholders." 

This is a developing story. More to follow...