EVENTS in Glasgow underline why police officers should be at the front of the queue for vaccines, union leaders have said. 

Cops were deployed across the city at the weekend to marshal thousands of Rangers fans who gathered in George Square and outside Ibrox Stadium to celebrate the side’s league title win. 

A number of arrests were made and one of Glasgow’s top officers revealed police had come under attack during the celebrations. 

READ MORE: Officers came under attack at Rangers title win gatherings as almost 30 arrested

Now, union bosses have called for cops to be given priority in Scotland’s vaccine rollout. As things stand, the jag is given to those deemed most at risk by health experts, including over 65s and those with underlying health conditions. 

A spokesman for the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents rank and file officers, said: “These events underpin precisely why the Scottish Police Federation have argued for prioritisation vaccination of police officers. 

“Unlike those fans who deliberately broke the law, police officers did not choose to be in these crowds. 

Glasgow Times: GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 07: Rangers fans gather in George Square to celebrate the club winning the Scottish Premiership for the first time in 10 years, on March 07, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Rangers took the title after Celtic failed to beat Dundee

“Given the fan behaviours we witnessed, we now have significant concerns for our members’ health and wellbeing.”

David Hamilton, chairman of the SPF, added that he was “appalled” by the scenes.

Mr Hamilton said: “We’ve got a lot of people in jeopardy now and that’s just down to the selfishness of those who decided that celebrating their club’s victory was more important than the health of the country.”

During today's coronavirus daily briefing, deputy first minister John Swinney and Gregor Smith, the chief medical officer, insisted the government would continue to follow the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

READ MORE: Coronavirus Scotland: John Swinney claims Rangers ignored warnings over title celebrations

They also said they wouldn’t back mass asymptomatic testing. 

Dr Smith said: “We will continue to work with Police Scotland and engage with them on any risk assessment they are conducting for their staff. At this moment in time, we see the police officers had worn their face coverings and took the precautions they could do.

“But they were placed in a very difficult position.”