Police investigate crowds on Shankill after Rangers title triumph

By Rebecca Black, PA

Police are investigating reports of large crowds on Belfast’s Shankill Road on Sunday night after Rangers won the Scottish Premiership.

People were pictured filling the area, despite a ban on public gatherings under coronavirus restrictions, to celebrate the Glasgow side’s first title in a decade.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has indicated “appropriate enforcement action” will be taken.

Superintendent Nigel Henry said officers received reports of a street party and flares and fireworks being set off on the Shankill Road, as well as fireworks in the Ballysillan Road area.

He described the scenes as “disappointing”.

PSNI statement:

DUP MP Gregory Campbell said the long-awaited title for Rangers "does not justify the breaking of coronavirus regulations."

Northern Ireland has been living under a strict raft of rules aimed at stemming the spread of the virus since a spike of cases in December.

On Sunday, the PSNI tweeted urging fans to celebrate safely:

Just issued by PSNI:

"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." pic.twitter.com/kfGHQcARZK

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 7, 202

Mr Campbell said it would be a bad day for Rangers fans if the title celebrations resulted in people in ICU beds.

“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,” he said.

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

“It would be a bad day for Northern Ireland Rangers fans if a hallmark of 55 league titles was to be fans in ICU beds rather than being able to cheer their team on to more success.

“There will be plenty of time to celebrate in due course when the vaccine has been rolled out.”

🎥 Scenes on the Shankill Road in Belfast tonight as fans celebrate the Rangers title triumph: pic.twitter.com/ZpquYXh3G5

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 7, 2021

Meanwhile, Mr Campbell has tabled a motion in Parliament to recognise Rangers’ victory.

“As a lifelong Rangers fan, I am delighted on a personal level but a success of this magnitude, given the previous problems at the club, should be recognised by the national Parliament,” he said.

“Not only is this a massive achievement but record setting in so many ways.

“The team has been undefeated this far in the league season and the earliest in the season that the Scottish title has been won in 119 years.

“It is right and fitting that Parliament sends its congratulations and marks this incredible effort for the players, management and backroom staff.”

DUP leader Arlene Foster praised the club’s success.

She added: “It is very important that everybody abides by the public health regulations.

“We saw people in Belfast, people who were rightly jubilant about Rangers’ success in the Scottish Premier League.

“We have to abide by the public health regulations.

“They are there for a reason, to protect our communities.”

Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey says he's disappointed by the scenes which unfolded: