RANGERS manager Steven Gerrard today stressed that he will continue to issue Covid-19 safety messages to fans of the Ibrox club – and expressed hope the Old Firm game against Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday, March 21, will go ahead as scheduled.

The Premiership match is in serious danger of being called off as a result of thousands of Rangers supporters flouting coronavirus lockdown restrictions this weekend and taking to the streets of Glasgow to celebrate their 55th Scottish title triumph.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her deputy John Swinney have been publicly critical of the “lack of leadership” at Rangers following scenes which they branded “disgraceful” and “shameful”.

Ms Sturgeon confirmed at her daily briefing yesterday that she was set to have a series of talks this week before making a decision on whether the league game can be played.

Holyrood asked the SPFL to postpone two Aberdeen and two Celtic games back in August after it emerged that players from the Pittodrie and Parkhead clubs had broken social distancing protocols.

Speaking this morning ahead of the Europa League last 16 match against Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic tomorrow evening, Gerrard, who issued public appeals to fans before and after his team’s game against St Mirren at Ibrox on Saturday, admitted he would like to see the fixture fulfilled.  

“I'll let those conversations continue with the powers that be,” he said. “That's above my head at this football club. But I'll continue to relay messages like I have previously. Let's hope these games can go ahead.”