STEVEN GERRARD has urged Rangers supporters to stay away from Parkhead and watch their first Old Firm clash as Premiership champions from home.

Rangers will make the trip across Glasgow next Sunday aiming to record a third derby win of the campaign a fortnight after they clinched their first league title in a decade.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was hugely critical of the fans that gathered at Ibrox and George Square to celebrate the success and there have been warnings that the Celtic fixture could be cancelled if there are fears over mass gatherings that could lead to a surge in Covid cases in Glasgow.

Glasgow Times: Steven Gerrard

Gerrard has written an open letter to Rangers supporters and said: “Firstly, I want to place on record my thanks for everything you have done for me, my management team and my players since I arrived in Glasgow in May of 2018.

“Last week was a huge milestone for Rangers but make no mistake about it – this journey is far from over. We are only just beginning. This is another huge week for Rangers Football Club.

“The last year for every single one of us across the world has been different. We have never experienced a year like this in any of our lifetimes so far, and we hope this is now nearly over. We must always remember, however, how many lives Covid-19 has taken, and we must remember the family and the friends which have gone because of this terrible disease. That cannot ever be forgotten.

“It is a great privilege to be the manager of this great football club, and with that comes great responsibility. I believe we must take collective responsibility to ensure we uphold the good name of this 150-year institution which represents far, far more than 11 players on the pitch.

Glasgow Times: Rangers manager Steven Gerrard

“With that in mind, we must remember who we represent, we must remember who we are, and we must remember what this club stands for.”

The scenes of celebration last weekend said it all about how significant an achievement it was for Rangers as Gerrard’s side secured the league flag.

But Gerrard has reaffirmed the stay at home message that has been emphasised by the club ahead of another eagerly anticipated Old Firm showdown.

Gerrard added: “Right here and right now, in all honesty, do I want 50,000 fans inside Ibrox? 100 per cent yes.

“The players would want nothing more than to hear the fans sing and support us in the ground and hear you behind every pass, every tackle, and to lose themselves in utter euphoria when the ball hits the net.

Glasgow Times: Rangers manager Steven Gerrard (centre) in the stands during the Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox

“Sadly, however, right here and right now, you can’t be there with us. You can’t follow us to Parkhead as Champions – and the first time we can say we are Champions in a decade.

“That hurts me, it hurts my management team and it hurts my players. Make no doubt about it, we want you there with us, but sadly, right now, you can’t be.

“The best place you can support my players and I this Sunday is from the comfort of your own home. We know you are with us here in spirit and we know how much last weekend meant to you when we secured the title.

Glasgow Times: Rangers boss Steven Gerrard

“We know all of you enjoyed it, but we must stay safe, and stay at home.

“Every time we get knocked back, we stand up and we get going again. You have been with us on that journey, the entirety of the way through and we will never forget that.

“Over the last ten years, you have followed us near and far and we have always heard you roaring from the stands at Ibrox Park.

“You have followed us and cheered us, you have won with us, you have lost with us. You trusted us, and more than anything, you believed in us. And we believe in you as we are Rangers and we are Champions.

“Stay safe. Stay at home. Support the NHS. Support Rangers Football Club.”