FIRST MINISTER Nicola Sturgeon fears that the ‘small’ number of Covid-19 cases linked to last weekend’s Rangers’ title celebrations could rise given the virus’ incubation period.
Thousands of Rangers fans broke coronavirus laws as they celebrated the club’s title number 55 triumph last weekend across Glasgow – including outside Ibrox and in George Square.
The SNP chief revealed she felt the Ibrox club could’ve done more to stop last weekend’s illegal party scenes.
Fears remain that Scotland’s showpiece fixture would be canned following scenes of blatant lockdown rule breaches, although both clubs have presented a united front asking fans to stay at home.
The subject of the Old Firm match WASN’T mentioned during the first minister’s statement – although she did chime with comments from chief medical officer Gregor Smith that the incident had caused a rise in cases.
It can take anything up to ten days for Covid sufferers to register symptoms of the virus – while others could be passing it on whilst asymptomatic.
Sturgeon said: “In terms of the case numbers, we have seen an increase in the last week.
“As the Chief Medical Officer said last week there have been a small number of cases of people that were gathering as part of the football incident last weekend.
“We may see more of that given the incubation of the virus that may not have fully worked its way through yet.
“But we also need to be really opened eyed about this.
“This is a virus, so any time we open up and people start to come together there is greater opportunity for transmission.”
Justice secretary Humza Yousaf said on Friday that the Scottish Government wouldn’t hesitate to “defer” the game – unless he is sure fans wouldn’t square off against each other.
There has then followed days of consistent media messaging from both clubs to their fans.
Ibrox skipper James Tavernier sent a video message to the supporters urging fans to stay at home.
Manager Steven Gerrard also penned a letter asking the club’s fans to do likewise.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
