Search for families linked to Glasgow memorial benches smashed up in Rangers victory celebrations

Family members of the people memorialised on benches that were smashed to pieces when Rangers fans descended on George Square in Glasgow are being urged to come forward.
Rangers fans celebrate in George Square after Rangers win the Scottish Premiership title picture: Jane Barlow/PARangers fans celebrate in George Square after Rangers win the Scottish Premiership title picture: Jane Barlow/PA
Rangers fans celebrate in George Square after Rangers win the Scottish Premiership title picture: Jane Barlow/PA

Hundreds of football fans congregated at the city centre square and the Ibrox on Sunday after the football club won the league for the first time in a decade.

Not only were the fans disrespecting coronavirus regulations, but they also caused serious damage to public property during their celebrations, including at least five memorial benches in George Square.

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Glasgow City Council has slammed the fans calling their behaviour “deplorable” as its calls for families of those commemorated on the benches to come forward.

It confirmed the memorials will be restored.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “We’ve had cleaning and parks teams in George Square since Sunday night, clearing debris and assessing the damage to furniture and plants.

"The lack of care and respect shown to a place and facilities that all Glaswegians should be able to enjoy is disturbing – but destroying memorials placed by grieving families and friends is, frankly, deplorable.

"We believe we have been able to recover any memorial plaques from smashed benches and are now starting the job of contacting families, where we are able. The memorials will be restored; however it is not yet known how much this will cost."

The following plaques have been found:

Plaque one:

In Loving Memory of

JACQUELINE MORTON

In our hearts you are always there

Plaque Two:

In Loving Memory of

ROBERT and JANE SHEARER

and Their Son ROBERT

Who All Loved Glasgow

Plaque Three:

Donated by the Netherlands Ambassador

JAN HERMAN van ROIJEN

on the occasion of his visit to the City of Glasgow

on 18/19th September 1997

Plaque Four:

In memory of

JOANNA WESTON

1994 - 2004

Sadly missed by all at H.O.S.

Plaque Five:

Dedicated To The Memory Of

JOHN HAMILTON

Died 22.4.1994

Donated by His Loving Wife And Family

Rest Awhile

Rangers won their first title in ten years without kicking a ball as rivals Celtic failed to beat Dundee United at Tannadice with a 0-0 result.

Within minutes of the final whistle hundreds had arrived at the ground. Some fans said they were hiring taxis from as far afield as Edinburgh to join the party.

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