Rangers fans break lockdown rules as 'THOUSANDS' gather outside Ibrox

  /  autty

Rangers fans have breached lockdown rules to throw their support behind their side ahead of the visit of St Mirren, with footage appearing to show fans swarming the car of manager Steven Gerrard as he arrived at Ibrox.

Under tier 4 restrictions, mass gatherings are currently banned in Scotland, with the public urged not to leave their homes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the Gers supporters have disregarded those restrictions to welcome their team ahead of their impending title party, with the Scottish Sun reporting that thousands are outside the ground.

And video footage shows a large group of fans lining the streets as Gerrard made his way to the ground.

Another video shot from inside what is believed to be the manager's car shows the Range Rover crawling towards the stadium amid jubilant scenes.

Gerrard's side are within touching distance of returning to the summit of Scottish football, having had to watch from afar as Celtic reigned supreme for the best part of a decade.

The Bhoys were bidding to win a tenth-successive league title this season, however if Rangers beat mid-table St Mirren and Celtic drop points against Dundee United, the Gers will be champions.

Failing that, Gerrard's side can win the Premiership crown if they defeat Celtic in the Old Firm Derby on March 21.

And Rangers supporters have gathered outside Ibrox as anticipation builds towards an historic achievement.

Video footage has captured fans singing chants about clinching title number 55 amid a sea of waving flags. Fans let off red, white and blue flares to add to the party atmosphere.

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland of Police Scotland said: 'At about 10 am today, 6 March 2021 a large number of supporters gathered outside Ibrox Stadium and a number of pyrotechnic devices were set off.

'I would remind supporters that in line with current Scottish Government Coronavirus guidelines, all gatherings are currently prohibited and we would urge members of the public to comply with these restrictions.

'Our priority is public safety and an appropriate policing plan was in place and officers engaged with those present to explain and encourage compliance with restrictions.'

No one has been arrested.

Rangers supporters have been forced to wait ten years before returning to the pinnacle of Scottish football, having endured a tumultuous journey through the football pyramid.

The club fell to the third tier following insolvency, before climbing their way back into the first division under Mark Warburton in 2015.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers had turned Celtic into a relentless winning machine during Rangers' absence, with Gerrard tasked with dethroning their arch rivals.

Celtic have fallen apart this season under Neil Lennon, with the Bhoys legend resigning from his position last month.

Rangers are 18 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership before Saturday's game, set to get under way at 3pm GMT.

Related: Celtic FC Glasgow Rangers Steven Gerrard
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