A new name will be appearing on Civil Service Strollers shirts this season as a result of a new local partnership.
Strollers club secretary Keith Stewart explained: “We are delighted to announce that this season we have entered an agreement with Pilton Community Health Project (PCHP).
“We are currently looking at the ways that we can work together to promote and deliver effective health and wellbeing practices.
“Here at the Strollers, the tough year that we have all had has opened our eyes to the view that if you are healthy, you are wealthy. So, this season, instead of seeking sponsorship in the current economic climate, we have decided to support PCHP by promoting them on our youth and Lowland League teams shirt fronts and around the pitch at our own expense.
“We look forward to building a strong relationship with PCHP.”
PCHP’s Dawn Anderson said: “Pilton Community Health Project are delighted to announce a new partnership with Civil Service Strollers FC. This opportunity to work alongside Civil Service Strollers will help even more local people take steps to better health and increase access to a wide range of wellbeing initiatives tailored for the Club’s members and their families.
“Together, we hope to increase the impact of our resources locally, sharing ways to cope with the multiple impacts of the pandemic on our community, and ultimately feel stronger through looking after ourselves and each other.
“We welcome this innovative approach by the Civil Service Strollers and look forward to working with their members and developing a strong community partnership.”
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Police Scotland’s Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow, issued a statement last night following the scenes across Glasgow as Rangers fans celebrated their title victory:
“During the evening of Saturday, 15 May 2021, Rangers supporters continued to gather and celebrate the awarding of the league championship trophy in George Square.
“Throughout the day Police Scotland had managed the gathering appropriately tackling anti-social behaviour and encouraging dispersal under Scottish Government Coronavirus regulations.
“As celebrations continued sections of the crowd became increasingly disorderly, property was damaged and people were assaulted. Our officers became the focus of the crowd’s attention with missiles and flares being thrown at them. Our policing response has been proportionate. We have responded appropriately and consistently to the behaviour of those gathered.
“This disgraceful behaviour which clearly endangered public and officer safety could not be tolerated and officers dressed in full public order equipment and, after appropriate warnings were given, moved in to disperse those present.
“Although most of those present dispersed, a number remained and confronted officers with violence and aggression. Missiles were thrown and officers came under direct attack as George Square and the surrounding area was cleared.
“I strongly condemn the behaviour of these supporters who have not only placed our officers at risk but have sought to damage the image and reputation of this great city, especially during this critical period of the pandemic.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to the police and partners who manged this incident, especially those officers who put themselves in danger to bring this violent and disorderly gathering to an end.
“So far we know that three officers have been injured and more than 20 people have been arrested.
“We will be continuing our enquiries and my message is clear that if you have been involved in these ugly scenes then we you will be identified and arrested.”
Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said last night:
Rangers FC have yet to make a public statement on last night’s events, and neither SPFL or the SFA have commented so far.
A team of amateur footballers from an east Edinburgh neighbourhood are seeking a permanent place to call home and are asking the council for help.
Bingham Athletic Football Club has submitted a bid to The City of Edinburgh Council to take over the lease of the Bingham Pavilion, and are crossing their fingers for a positive result next week.
The Pavillion’s lease is currently held by a private club who have refused to share the facility with the local Bingham lads. But the Bingham team believe that people from the local area should have access to and ownership of this local resource.
Team manager Reece Taylor explained: “The team currently has no access to the Pavilion as the lease is exclusively held by a private football club which charges fees to join. That means we have had to lead quite a nomadic and precarious existence, practising in places that just aren’t fit for purpose.
“As most people know, Bingham is one of the most deprived areas in Scotland, so it isn’t an option for most of these lads to pay membership fees or travel further afield to other areas. By gaining permanent access to the Pavillion, the group will have the opportunity to practice in a proper area and play games which friends, family and the local community can actually attend.”
The club is being supported by the Scottish charity Community Renewal who have been active in the area since 2016.
Community Renewal’s Cris Thacker said: “Everything we do in the neighbourhood starts with listening to what the community of Bingham, Magdalene and The Hays want for their area and then supporting them to achieve those aspirations themselves.
“We have been working closely with the football club and have assisted them in writing the bid. We will also provide ongoing support should their bid be successful.”
The bid has also received a massive show of support from Scottish international footballer, local lad Marc McNulty.
Marc said: “As a budding footballer growing up in Bingham, I know how important it is to have something that is accessible, so I fully support the bid.
“I hope that maybe some of these young guys can go on to have the career I have enjoyed.”
Reece, Cris and all the team now have their fingers crossed that the tender will be awarded in their favour: “It would mean the world to us to have this great resource for the local club. But they won’t be the only ones who benefit.
“This will be a place for the whole community to meet socially and come and support their local team. Plus, we will work with other local clubs and organisations in the hope that they too can make use of the premises.
“We really believe that we can make this a real asset for the community of Bingham.”
England’s ‘Big Six’ clubs set to break from Premier League as new Super League is set up
Twelve of Europe’s biggest football clubs – six of them from England – have announced they have agreed to establish a new mid-week competition, the Super League, governed by its Founding Clubs.
The announcement has been met with fury by the football authorities, football clubs and fans groups.
AC Milan, Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona, FC Internazionale Milano, Juventus FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City, ManchesterUnited, Real Madrid CF and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined the ‘Super League’ as Founding Clubs. It is anticipated that a further three clubs will join ahead of the inaugural season, which is intended to commence as soon as practicable.
Going forward, the Founding Clubs look forward to holding discussions with UEFA and FIFA to work together in partnership to deliver the best outcomes for the new League and for football as a whole.
The formation of the Super League comes at a time when the global pandemic has accelerated the instability in the existing European football economic model.
Further, for a number of years, the Founding Clubs have had the objective of improving the quality and intensity of existing European competitions throughout each season, and of creating a format for top clubs and players to compete on a regular basis.
The pandemic has shown that a strategic vision and a sustainable commercial approach are required to enhance value and support for the benefit of the entire European football pyramid. In recent months extensive dialogue has taken place with football stakeholders regarding the future format of European competitions.
The Founding Clubs believe the solutions proposed following these talks do not solve fundamental issues, including the need to provide higher-quality matches and additional financial resources for the overall football pyramid.
Competition Format
20 participating clubs with 15 Founding Clubs and a qualifying mechanism for a further five teams to qualify annually based on achievements in the prior season.
Midweek fixtures with all participating clubs continuing to compete in their respective national leagues, preserving the traditional domestic match calendar which remains at the heart of the club game.
An August start with clubs participating in two groups of ten, playing home and away fixtures, with the top three in each group automatically qualifying for the quarter finals. Teams finishing fourth and fifth will then compete in a two-legged play-off for the remaining quarter-final positions. A two-leg knockout format will be used to reach the final at the end of May, which will be staged as a single fixture at a neutral venue.
As soon as practicable after the start of the men’s competition, a corresponding women’s league will also be launched, helping to advance and develop the women’s game.
The new annual tournament will provide significantly greater economic growth and support for European football via a long-term commitment to uncapped solidarity payments which will grow in line with league revenues.
These solidarity payments will be substantially higher than those generated by the current European competition and are expected to be in excess of €10 billion during the course of the initial commitment period of the Clubs. In addition, the competition will be built on a sustainable financial foundation with all Founding Clubs signing up to a spending framework.
In exchange for their commitment, Founding Clubs will receive an amount of €3.5 billion solely to support their infrastructure investment plans and to offset the impact of the COVID pandemic.
Florentino Pérez, President Real Madrid CF and the first Chairman of the Super League said: “We will help football at every level and take it to its rightful place in the world.
“Football is the only global sport in the world with more than four billion fans and our responsibility as big clubs is to respond to their desires.”
Backing the new European league, Andrea Agnelli, Chairman of Juventus and Vice-Chairman of the Super League said: “Our 12 Founder clubs represent billions of fans across the globe and 99 European trophies.
“We have come together at this critical moment, enabling European competition to be transformed, putting the game we love on a sustainable footing for the long-term future, substantially increasing solidarity, and giving fans and amateur players a regular flow of headline fixtures that will feed their passion for the game while providing them with engaging role models.”
Joel Glazer, Co-Chairman of Manchester United and Vice-Chairman of the Super League said: “By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid.”
The football authorities have responded with their own joint statement:
UEFA, the English Football Association and the Premier League, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LaLiga, and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Lega Serie A have learned that a few English, Spanish and Italian clubs may be planning to announce their creation of a closed, so-called Super League.
If this were to happen, we wish to reiterate that we – UEFA, the English FA, RFEF, FIGC, the Premier League, LaLiga, Lega Serie A, but also FIFA and all our member associations – will remain united in our efforts to stop this cynical project, a project that is founded on the self-interest of a few clubs at a time when society needs solidarity more than ever.
‘We will consider all measures available to us, at all levels, both judicial and sporting in order to prevent this happening. Football is based on open competitions and sporting merit; it cannot be any other way.
‘As previously announced by FIFA and the six Confederations, the clubs concerned will be banned from playing in any other competition at domestic, European or world level, and their players could be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams.
‘We thank those clubs in other countries, especially the French and German clubs, who have refused to sign up to this. We call on all lovers of football, supporters and politicians, to join us in fighting against such a project if it were to be announced.
‘This persistent self-interest of a few has been going on for too long. Enough is enough.‘
Fans of the six English Premier League clubs have condemned the move.
Liverpool FC Supporters Union said: “Embarrasing. As fan representatives we are appalled & completely oppose this decision.
“(Liverpool owners) FSG have ignored fans in their relentless and greedy pursuit of money. Football is ours not theirs. Our football club is ours not theirs. We will respond fully to this statement in due course.”
The Football Supporters’ Association said in a statement:“The FSA is totally opposed to the proposals which seek to create a breakaway ‘European Superleague.
“The motivation behind this so-called superleague is not furthering sporting merit or nurturing the world’s game – it is motivated by nothing but cynical greed.
“This competition is being created behind our backs by billionaire club owners who have zero regard for the game’s traditions and continue to treat football as their personal fiefdom.
“The FSA, and no doubt supporters across the continent, will continue to fight against its creation.”
The Scottish Cup continues apace this weekend, as the Fourth Round kicks off with a bumper Friday night feast, with three ties this evening.
The 16 competing clubs have the carrot of knowing who their potential opponents would be in the Fifth Round if they emerge victorious, with the Fifth Round ties having already been drawn due to the competition’s condensed schedule this season.
St. Mirren and Inverness get the weekend underway at 6pm this evening, in a match where the home side will go in as favourites, being unbeaten in their last four matches against Inverness.
Inverness will be hoping to upset the odds however, and as a side on form will be confident in their ability to do so, having defeated their Highland rivals Ross County in the last round. The tie’s winners have the prospect of a trip to Kilmarnock or Montrose ahead of them.
Motherwell host Greenock Morton at 7pm, with the victors set to travel to either Stranraer or Queen of the South in the subsequent round.
Motherwell will be high on confidence having thumped Formartine United 5-0 in the previous round and will be aware that the competitive record is on their side: Motherwell are unbeaten in their last 19 matches against Greenock Morton at Fir Park in all competitions (W16 D3), while Morton’s last win in Motherwell came in August 1970.
Greenock Morton needed extra time to see off East Fife in the last round and have not beaten top flight opposition in the Scottish Cup since January 2008, when they beat Gretna 3-0 at Palmerston.
Friday’s televised match sees Dundee United travel to Forfar Athletic, live on BBC Scotland at 7.45pm. This will be the first competitive meeting of Forfar Athletic and Dundee United since March 1987, when United beat the Loons 2-0 at Station Park in a Scottish Cup quarter-final, following a 2-2 draw at Tannadice.
History is against Forfar Athletic, who have only reached the Scottish Cup quarter-final five times in their history, most recently in 2001/02, while they have only ever recorded one victory over top flight opposition in the Scottish Cup – a 2-0 victory over Falkirk in 1910/11.
The action continues on Saturday, first with Kilmarnock hosting Montrose at 11.45am in the first competitive meeting of the two clubs since April 1992, when Killie won 1-0 at Rugby Park in the old Division One.
Kilmarnock are aiming to reach the Scottish Cup quarter-final for just the fifth time since they won the competition back in 1997, while Montrose are striving to reach the Scottish Cup quarter-final for the first time since 1975/76, and for just the fifth time ever.
St. Johnstone host Clyde at 5.30pm in what will be just the third time the two sides have ever met in the Scottish Cup and their first meeting since back in 1938/39, when Clyde won 2-0 at Shawfield Park.
St Johnstone have not lost a Scottish Cup tie to a team outside the top two tiers since January 2006, when they were beaten 1-0 by Gretna. Clyde are aiming to reach the Scottish Cup quarter-final for the first time since 2004/05, the only time in the last 32 years that they have made the last eight.
Saturday’s televised match also kicks off at 5.30pm, with Aberdeen v Livingston live on Premier Sports.
Although Livingston hold the advantage in Scottish Cup ties, with three victories to one, Aberdeen are unbeaten in their last 16 Scottish Cup matches at Pittodrie, their last defeat coming against Raith Rovers in February 2010.
Livingston are aiming to reach the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup for the first time since 2004/05, with a home tie against Forfar Athletic or Dundee United awaiting them should they be triumphant.
The first of two televised matches on Sunday kicks off at 12.15pm, with Stranraer hosting Hibs live on BBC One. History is very much on the side of Hibs, with Stranraer’s last Scottish Cup win over top flight opposition coming back in February 1973, when they defeated St Johnstone 2-1 at Muirton Park.
This is just the second time Stranraer and Hibernian have been drawn together in the Scottish Cup – the previous tie in 2001/02 saw Hibs win 4-0 at Easter Road after a 0-0 draw at Stair Park. It will be the tenth competitive meeting of the two sides in total, with the Blues having won just one of the previous nine, a 2-1 win at Easter Road in Division 1 in August 1998.
The action concludes at 3pm on Sunday with the eagerly-anticipated Rangers v Celtic derby bringing the weekend to a close, live on Premier Sports.
This will be the first Scottish Cup meeting of the old rivals at Ibrox since January 2011, when the sides drew 2-2 before Celtic won the replay 1-0 at Celtic Park.
Celtic have won five of their last six Scottish Cup ties against Rangers – the Light Blues’ only victory in this period came in a penalty shoot-out in the 2015/16 semi-final.
With the home side having already wrapped up their first league title in a decade, Rangers now set their sights on completing a league and Scottish Cup double for the first time since 2008/09. Celtic, however, will be determined to end the season with silverware and defend the trophy they have won for the past four consecutive seasons.
Scottish Cup Fourth Round Fixtures:
Friday, 16 April
St. Mirren v Inverness Caledonian Thistle; kick-off 6pm
Motherwell v Greenock Morton; kick-off 7pm
Forfar Athletic v Dundee United; kick-off 7.45pm (live on BBC Scotland)
Saturday, 17 April
Kilmarnock v Montrose; kick-off 11.45am
St. Johnstone v Clyde; kick-off 5.30pm
Aberdeen v Livingston; kick-off 5.30pm (live on Premier Sports)
Sunday, 18 April
Stranraer v Hibernian; kick-off 12.15pm (live on BBC One)
Rangers v Celtic; kick-off 3pm (live on Premier Sports).
The Scottish FA has welcomedconfirmation from UEFA that Hampden Park will be able to host its four EURO 2020 matches with supporters in attendance.
The LOS Glasgow submission of a maximum 25% capacity for the national stadium (approximately 12,000 supporters under the EURO 2020 stadium configuration) has now been approved.
Plans for a Fan Zone in the city are also still under consideration with a decision anticipated at the end of the month.
The announcement is the culmination of a significant period of partnership work undertaken by the Scottish FA, Glasgow Life (on behalf of Glasgow City Council) and the Scottish Government, along with fellow LOS Glasgow members, Police Scotland and Visit Scotland.
Rod Petrie, Chair of LOS Glasgow and Scottish FA President: “We are thankful to UEFA for recognising the efforts of our LOS Glasgow partners in establishing a safe and manageable way in which supporters can attend the three group matches and Round of 16 tie at Hampden Park.
“I am also grateful to the Scottish Ministers and clinical experts for their assistance and ultimate approval in signing-off on the proposal that has today been endorsed by UEFA.
“An enormous amount of effort has gone into the submission but also in ensuring Glasgow and Hampden Park is ready to welcome supporters, not least with Scotland having secured qualification.
“We acknowledge UEFA’s timeline for ticket returns and will communicate updates to Scotland fans at those key dates.”
UEFA will be issuing an email to all ticket holders shortly to advise on the returns process for those fans who decide not to travel and next steps.
The row over the behaviour of Rangers fans celebrating their Scottish Premiership title win and flouting coronavirus laws rumbled on today.
Before delivering the latest coronavirus figures, Deputy First Minister Mr Swinney said: “I have to address yesterday’s events in Glasgow.
“All of us recognise that winning the league was a special moment for Rangers Football Club – and before I say more I want to congratulate the club on their success and thank all those fans who celebrated at home, and who followed the rules.
“But the behaviour of some fans has been an absolute disgrace, and has undoubtedly cast a shadow over what should have been a special day for the team.
“The success that we’ve have had in recent weeks in reducing case numbers is because so many people across Scotland have stuck to extremely tough rules, which are designed to prevent the spread of the virus between different households.
“To see so many people deliberately flouting these rules with no regard for the safety of others, is shameful. Events like yesterday risk spreading the virus.
“And they show no regard or respect at all for the millions of households across Scotland who have been sticking to the rules – who haven’t been able to meet up with friends and families, to fully celebrate birthdays and other milestones, or in some cases to attend funeral services of their loved ones.
“The Government and Police Scotland reminded Rangers of the need for the club to advice fans to adhere to the current restrictions in discussions on 26 February and 5 March. It is a matter of profound regret that that did not happen.
“The Scottish Government will be making our extreme disappointment at the lack of leadership clear to the team management, and we will be speaking to all the authorities about what further assurance they can give to us ahead of future planned games.
“I also understand that many people have questions as to the preparation for and the nature of the Policing that took place yesterday – and why they did not prevent people from gathering.
“I understand the anger of those living and working in the city centre at what they saw, and at what took place.
“Policing of such occasions requires difficult operational judgements to be arrived at by Police Scotland.
“The Justice Secretary has spoken to the Chief Constable and to Rangers FC, and will be doing so again – to understand why the events of yesterday took place as they did; what actions are now being taken to identify those responsible; and what more can be done to try to ensure we do not see repeats of those scenes at upcoming events.“
Rangers issued the following statement at lunchtime:
‘DURING the last number of weeks, Rangers can confirm that we initiated open dialogue with key stakeholders in relation to the possibility of us achieving a historic 55th league title.
‘We have proactively engaged with our local MP, the Justice Minister, the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and the SPFL in relation to maintaining a cohesive message regarding public safety during the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘We understand the jubilance of our support across the world who recognise this has been a historic year for the club.
‘Nevertheless, it has been of great frustration for all football fans across the world that they have not been able to watch their team within stadiums, especially for the loyal Rangers season-ticket holders who have stood by this football club through thick and thin in the last decade.
‘We reiterate the message from our manager, Steven Gerrard, who highlighted that fans should adhere to government guidelines – stay safe, socially distance and look after each other in this difficult time.
‘We are aware there is the possibility of more, significant milestones within this season, and we will continue to proactively engage with key stakeholders to maintain a cohesive message in relation to government guidance at this present time.
‘We look forward to further open dialogue with the government, police, SPFL and other key stakeholders.’
Police Scotland rowed in with another statement this evening:
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “The behaviour which we saw at the weekend was disgraceful and I utterly condemn the individuals who chose to completely disregard the coronavirus regulations, putting both the wider community and our officers at risk.
“I also strongly condemn the lack of support from Rangers Football Club over the messages we repeatedly asked them to put out to persuade fans not to go out celebrating and encourage those who did gather in large numbers to return home.
“We’ve been planning for the conclusion of the football season for some time since the league was allowed to resume and the sport is in a very privileged position given the restrictions seen across the country for almost a year.
“It was very clear through the lack of messaging that Rangers did not take seriously their responsibilities in terms of seeking to persuade their fans to celebrate safely and responsibly.
“I commend the officers who delivered a policing operation which was entirely consistent with our approach throughout this pandemic to maintain public safety and minimise disorder, disruption and damage to property.
“They did this faced with considerable danger, all of which was completely unnecessary and avoidable.
“Where large numbers of people gather at an unplanned event such as this we use established crowd control measures to ensure we are keeping the public safe and manage those who are refusing to disperse.
“We will work with football clubs, local authorities and the Scottish Government to ensure we do everything we can to persuade people that none of these scenes can be repeated as the football season continues.”
Glasgow faces COVID spike as fans take to the streets
Rangers fans flouted COVID guidelines and partied into the night as they celebrated their first Premiership title win in ten years yesterday.
Their actions have been roundly condemned, however, and it remains to be seen whether action will be taken against the Ibrox club or even the SFA.
Glasgow police were criticised for their lack of action as hundreds of fans congregated at Ibrox stadium and in George Square minutes after Celtic failed to beat Dundee United and conceded the league title to their rivals.
A ‘small number’ of supporters were arrested, but Police Scotland’s performance will be the subject of much discussion today.
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, made his final statement of the evening at 8:56pm as celebrations continued. He said: “We are continuing to police the ongoing gathering of football supporters in George Square today.
“Officers have continued to move to enforcement where appropriate with a number of further arrests and additional fixed penalty notices for breaches of the coronavirus restrictions, minor incidents of disorder and the use of pyrotechnic devices.
“We are now asking people to disperse and make their way home. For those not in attendance, please do not make your way to Glasgow City Centre.
“People should consider the public health impact of this gathering. For more information on the latest coronavirus guidelines please visit the Scottish Government website.”
Police appeals went unheeded, as did First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s.
Ms Sturgeon said on Twitter: “I congratulate @RangersFC on the title win & recognise what a moment this is for fans.
“But gathering in crowds just now risks lives, and could delay exit from lockdown for everyone else. If those gathering care at all about the safety of others & the country, they will go home.” They didn’t.
Police Scotland issued an update at 9:30am this morning:
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “On Sunday, 7 March, 2021, a pre-planned policing operation was instigated after Rangers FC were confirmed as league champions.
“Despite the coronavirus regulations and the prohibition of gatherings, our officers were faced with a very difficult set of circumstances as many thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate across a number of different venues.
“Our priority was public safety and this included reducing the risk of disorder, road safety and effective crowd management among the complexities of a vociferous crowd. This included established crowd control measures to prevent serious disorder in multiple areas and protect the public.
“An appropriate policing response was in place throughout the day and officers continually engaged and encouraged compliance with coronavirus regulations.
“Over the course of the day a number of minor injuries were sustained by members of the public, some of which were as a result of intoxication.
“Where it was appropriate to do so officers moved to enforcement for a variety of offences including breaches of coronavirus regulations, acts of disorder, pyrotechnic use and a number of arrests for assaulting police officers and sectarian related breach of the peace.
“In total, 28 people were arrested and seven people were issued with fixed penalty notices or will be the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
“I am grateful to our officers who showed great commitment and professionalism throughout the course of the day, many of whom put their own health at risk during a challenging set of circumstances.”
Only 35 fans to face punishment? Given the pictures we’ve all seen Police Scotland’s attitude appears incredibly tolerant and will infuriate many people who have stuck to the rules throughout.
The First Minister has already expressed her frustration with football following previous misdemeanors, and has said that the sport is on a yellow card. With growing public anger over fans’ reckless behaviour will she now consider taking action?
There will be many ‘sair heids’ in Govan this morning, but yesterday’s scenes have also presented Govan’s MSP with her own headache. The First Minister was expected to announce a loosening of restrictions tomorrow, but following Sunday’s scenes this could now be under reconsideration.
While the Scottish government has praised ‘everyone’ for obeying guidelines since they were introduced at start of the pandemic, it’s very clear that a sizeable minority have continued to ignore guidelines and even break the law throughout – be that ignoring soocial distancing by gathering at school gates, families flouting travel restriction rules or simply a refusal to wear face masks.
Few will forget the picures of a packed Portobello promenade, The Meadows teeming with people or crowds in Princes Street Gardens. And now this.
There have been more than 7400 COVID deaths in Scotland but it seems that some people will never learn.
While Rangers have made no official comment on the scenes in Glasgow, manager Steven Gerrard told rangers.co.uk: “It is very difficult to put into words right now. I’m on a real, emotional high and it has been a journey that is not finished.
“There is more to come and the next thing for me, when you win, it is always about what is next, and I am so proud of the players first and foremost – they are the most important people inside the club.
“But they are not as important as the supporters – they are what makes this club and it is for them and we have been down at times, really low at times, but this is an incredible high.
“It has been an incredible journey we have been on and we deserve it. I would just like to thank the board for the support they have given me – each and every one of them – and everyone who has given me the backing to go and do the job I needed to do and everyone connected to the club who is here now deserve to enjoy this.”
When Hibernian won The Scottish Cup in 2016 Rangers were quick to condemn Hibs fans for running on to the pitch to celebrate their first victory in the tournament for 114 years.
‘Rangers Football Club is shocked at the disgraceful behaviour of Hibs fans at full time’, the Ibrox club said in a statement rushed out after the game.
No such rush to condemn this time round, however. Silence in Govan.
The board of the Scottish FA, having reviewed the final report of the Independent Review of Sexual Abuse in Scottish Football, wishes to reiterate its profound apology to those who have personal experience of sexual abuse in our national game.
Now that the final report has been published, we express our thanks to Martin Henry, the chair of the independent review, and his team, who for the past three years have dedicated themselves to this considerable and unprecedented undertaking.
They have produced a comprehensive review of non-recent sexual abuse in Scottish football, provided recommendations that the game is implementing at all levels to ensure a safer future for young footballers, and, crucially, have given survivors a voice that was previously denied to them.
The personal testimony provided by those survivors is a tribute to their courage and while the final report makes difficult reading it is only by learning lessons from the past that we can we truly commit to the highest standards of wellbeing and protection for young people involved in Scottish football.
Today is a day for reflecting on an incomprehensible period in Scottish football’s history, and for ensuring the collective voice of the survivors is heard.
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “As Chief Executive of the Scottish FA I am deeply upset by the contents of the final report into sexual abuse in Scottish football and, in particular, by the deeply personal, traumatic experiences endured by young players who were abused by people in whom they and their families placed their trust.
“I reiterate my sincerest apology on behalf of Scottish football to all who have experienced abuse in our national game.
“The report also recognises the progress that the Scottish FA and its members have made to achieve the highest standards of wellbeing and protection for children and young people to play our national sport safely today.
“Since the board issued a directive in 2016 we can report that 80% of the original recommendations are either completed or in progress. The work is ongoing, overseen by the Independent Wellbeing and Protection Advisory Board and implemented through our Wellbeing and Protection department: themselves evidence of our commitment to the review and its recommendations.
“As the report also states, football provides a tremendous outlet for young people in Scotland and it is the responsibility of everyone involved in Scottish football to protect and cultivate that for future generations.”
In response to the publication of the Final Independent Report into non-recent sexual abuse in Scottish football, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive Children 1st, which runs Safeguarding in Sport in partnership with sportscotland, said:
“The personal testimony of the men and boys in the report, who have shown incredible courage, demonstrates how needed this independent review has been. The abuse that young players have suffered in football is inexcusable and heart-breaking. By bravely speaking up they provided the catalyst for the review, and the changes that will come from it are thanks to them. We welcome the ongoing work the Scottish FA has carried out in light of the report’s recommendations and encourage them to continue their progress.
“The Scottish FA are showing that they are willing to listen and implement changes that ensure no more children suffer the experiences described in the report. We are pleased to see children and young people’s involvement in the process, such as the consultation with the Scottish Children’s Parliament.
“The voices of children and young people are crucial to developing improvements for their own wellbeing and safety, and also to change a culture where children can be frightened to speak up. Safeguarding in Sport, a partnership between Children 1st and sportscotland, has developed the Standards for Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport, which state that children have a right to express their views and have their voice taken into account.
“We are keen to support the Scottish FA in their continued implementation of the recommendations, to create a culture in football where we can be sure that every child is safe to enjoy the huge benefits of participating in sport.
Celtic and Heart of Midlothian are set to go head-to-head in a second consecutive William Hill Scottish Cup final as the 2019/20 competition draws to a long-awaited close.
In a festive first, the showpiece event at Hampden Park will play out in front of an empty stadium after a long, COVID hit delay.
For both sides, it is an opportunity to bring their supporters some Christmas joy, with the fixture set to be watched through television screens this afternoon.
Celtic are aiming for an historic day in Glasgow following their treble success three years on the bounce. After overcoming Aberdeen last month by two goals to nil, the current holders have a fourth successive treble in their sights.
Heart of Midlothian make their way to Hampden Park from the Capital in search of another Scottish Cup success, which would be their first since 2012. The Edinburgh outfit defeated their city rivals Hibernian in the semi-final in dramatic fashion, edging the encounter 2-1 after extra time.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon is aiming for an eighth victory in a Scottish Cup final, having lifted the trophy four times as a player and three as a manager.
The Hoops boss insists all of his players are in contention for a spot in his starting eleven at the weekend as his side look to build on their upturn in form.
He said: “As regards team selection, there will be no sentimentality involved in my thinking behind that with my backroom team.
“It is a cup final, a game we want to win. Everyone is in contention and I have to pick the best team for the occasion and to help us win another trophy.”
For Robbie Neilson, Sunday presents an opportunity for the Hearts manager to taste success for the second time in the Scottish Cup, following a memorable day in 2006 as a player.
The Jambo’s boss could make history as the first man to lift the trophy as both a player and manager for the club, but insists the preparations have remained the same for his team.
He said: “It’s a bit surreal. The Scottish Cup final is usually the climax of the season in the sunshine. We’re just glad to be there and looking forward to it. Hopefully, it’s a decent Christmas present for the fans.
“The build-up is still the same whether it’s now or the end of the season. You still have a good week’s training leading into it.”
Neil Lennon said Celtic are on the brink of a monumental achievement if they can win the Scottish Cup final this afternoon but said his side face a difficult game against a very good Hearts side.
Celtic would secure their 12th consecutive trophy if they were to defeat Hearts in Sunday’s final. Victory also see Celtic clinch an incredible quadruple Treble.
Manager Neil Lennon said such an achievement would be remarkable and added it would have a knock-on effect for his side in the upcoming league games.
“We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s a great occasion despite there not being any supporters there but we know the gravity of what lies ahead of us. It’s a remarkable situation to find ourselves in and hopefully one we can make the best of an overcome.
“It’s about the team and what they can achieve. I’m only as good as them. ‘We’re one step away from making history. I think it’s monumental and I don’t think we’ll see it again in our lifetime.
“Psychologically it would be good for us. Twelve trophies in a row would be something you’d never see again and I think it would give the players a massive shot in the arm.”
Today’s final sees Celtic face Hearts for the second consecutive time in the Scottish Cup final. The Hoops claimed a 2-1 win against Hearts in the 2018/19 final but Neil Lennon warned that experience will only make Hearts a more dangerous side this weekend.
“I have to be warry in not talking us up all the time,” said the Celtic boss. “We have a very good team to play against who’ll be highly motivated themselves. We won the last cup final against them and some of their players are still there so I’m sure they’ll want to avenge that.
“They’re packed full of Premiership quality players. We know Craig very well, he was an outstanding servant here and an outstanding goalkeeper. We’re under no illusions coming into this, it’s not a case of us turning up and winning the game.
“Psychologically, Hearts could be in a better place for this final. They had a great win in the semi-final against a very good Hibs team. They showed their metal and that they can compete with some of the best teams in the Premiership. Psychologically, they’re coming into the game with confidence and that’s off the back of winning games.”
Hearts will honour the memory of Marius Zaliukas when the team takes to the field in this Sunday’s Scottish Cup Final against Celtic at Hampden.
Every player will wear the number 26 on the front of their shorts in honour of our legendary Scottish Cup winning captain.
Everyone associated with the club was shocked and saddened to learn of Marius’ passing in October. Adored by the maroon faithful, the Lithuanian defender is a Hearts legend in every sense of the word and the men in maroon look forward to paying tribute to him this afternoon.
Scotland’s ‘COVID Cup Final’ kicks of at 2.15pm. It’s live on BBC Scotland.
