Cost of repairs to George Square after Rangers title trouble hits £91,000

The cost of clean-up and repair work to a civic square left damaged after Rangers fans gathered to celebrate winning the league has risen to more than £90,000.

Supporters breached Covid lockdown restrictions to march to George Square in Glasgow in March, when the team won the Scottish Premiership, and again in May, when they received the trophy, and on each occasion damage caused has run into tens of thousands of pounds.

Following a survey of the square’s statues, further work costing £21,600 has now been identified. The latest bill takes the total cost of clear-ups and repairs this year to £91,000.

Glasgow City Council said there had been “many instances” of vandalism and criticised those with “little or no regard for the city’s cultural assets”.

The decision to allow the fans to march form Ibrox to the city-centre has been questioned and the lack of contingency planning from police, the council and ministers was criticised.

Minutes reveal police planned to let Rangers fans march to George Square and politicians did not ask why

Riot police were drafted in to disperse the 15,000-strong crowd after disorder broke out. Fans also damaged traffic lights, security fencing, scaffolding and historic statues, including memorials to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Some 28 fans were arrested amid the disorder and five officers were injured.

In May, taxpayers were left with a £58,000 bill to cover costs of damage to benches and statues, as well as clearing rubbish.

An earlier bill of about £11,000 in March was covered by an online fundraiser organised by the owner of a Rangers supporters’ pub.

Glasgow City Council said: “Regrettably there have been many instances of vandalism in the square in relatively recent times. Stone and metalwork has been damaged and structures either stained or splattered with paint or other materials by those with little or no regard for the city’s cultural assets.”

Councillor Malcolm Cunning, Labour group leader of the council, said: “It’s disappointing that irresponsible behaviour is having a financial cost to the council and, therefore, to taxpayers.”