Chief Constable asks expert to probe policing of Rangers fans’ gatherings
Police Scotland’s Iain Livingstone has called in John Scott QC to look into the mass celebrations which contravened Covid rules.
Scotland’s top police officer has asked an expert to scrutinise the force’s handling of the unlawful celebrations in Glasgow at the weekend.
Rangers fans congregated in George Square and outside Ibrox Stadium after their side took their first top-flight title in 10 years.
Police made 28 arrests and seven people were issued with fixed penalty notices or will be reported to the procurator fiscal.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has now asked John Scott QC to consider the events at the next scheduled Independent Advisory Group (IAG) meeting on Friday.
He said: “Across the weekend, thousands of Rangers supporters in Glasgow participated in spontaneous and intense mass gatherings.
“This should not have happened given the continuing public health crisis.
“Experienced officers, highly skilled in public order management, took appropriate steps to manage these challenging circumstances to protect people and minimise disruption to communities.
“Officers and staff worked, as they have done throughout this pandemic, with impartiality, professionalism and selfless commitment to public service.
“They have my personal support and I thank them for all that they do to protect their fellow citizens.
“I’ve been clear from the beginning of this pandemic that the strong relationship of trust policing has with our communities, underpinned by the principle of policing by consent, would be vital to the critical role officers and staff play in supporting the public health imperative.
“That’s why in April last year I commissioned John Scott QC to lead additional, independent and expert scrutiny of our policing response.
“I’ve been grateful for his IAG’s valued insight and challenge since it was established, including on the issue of mass gatherings and protests.
“I have asked Mr Scott to consider the events of the weekend at the next scheduled IAG meeting on Friday, having regard to the fundamental human rights principles of legality, necessity and proportionality, and to consider any relevant issues for the policing of future events over the coming months.”
The congregations took place despite coronavirus legislation which forbids such gatherings due to the dangers to public health.
Reasons for arrest included assaulting police officers, breaching coronavirus regulations, disorder, use of flares and sectarian breaches of the peace.
