Ally McCoist asks NI fans to follow Covid-19 rules and celebrate landmark win later

In an interview for BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra programme on Monday, Mr McCoist asked for patience.

The celebrations erupted on the street as it was the first time the Glasgow team had won the league in 10 years.

“What I’m saying to the fans is that I sat in the house last night and had a glass of beer, and I toasted Steven [Gerrard] and I toasted the team,” he told the BBC.

“I would just say to Rangers fans - keep our fingers crossed, we will be ready to celebrate at the correct time and we can hopefully all do it in our stadium very, very soon.”

Yesterday in a statement PSNI Superintendent Nigel Henry said: “Police received reports last night about large numbers of people celebrating in the Shankill Road area of north Belfast.

“This included reports of a street party and flares being set off on the Shankill Road.

“Police also became aware of fireworks being lit in the Shankill Road area and in the Ballysillan Road area.

“The numbers involved in the scenes last night were clearly a breach of the Health Protection Regulations which is so disappointing when we know so many people are adhering to the Regulations and playing their part to keep people safe.

“An investigation is under way and appropriate enforcement action will be taken in relation to breaches of the Regulations.”

The news came after DUP MP Gregory Campbell, a life long Rangers fan, called for public safety after the club won the Scottish Premiership.

Images shared on social media showed hundreds of people in the area celebrating the victory.

The East Londonderry representative said: “No one is more delighted than myself to see this success for the Gers. It’s been a long road. But so has the battle against Covid.

“I understand the desire for celebrations but that doesn’t justify breaking the public health rules.”

Earlier on Sunday evening, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) urged people to stay at home.

Large numbers of supporters made their way to Ibrox Stadium and Glasgow’s George Square to mark the achievement despite warnings to stay at home.

The scenes prompted Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to warn that the crowds could delay the end of lockdown.

In Northern Ireland, the PSNI tweeted: “We would encourage anyone intending to celebrate today’s Scottish Premier League result, to do so at home safely and within the current Health Regulations.”

And yesterday Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey raised concerns over large gatherings in the Shankill Road area.

The West Belfast MP said: “Large crowds gathered in public, with no adherence to social distancing or mask wearing.

“These scenes were deeply concerning in the midst of a pandemic.

“Reports of sectarian chanting are also worrying and need to be investigated.

“I will be raising questions directly with the PSNI around their approach to these organised gatherings.

“We have made great strides in our fight back against the pandemic thanks to the efforts of so many and we cannot allow that to the jeopardised.

“I would remind everyone of the ongoing need to follow the public health advice.” ____________________________________________________________________________________________

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