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Disturbing footage showing euphoric Scottish football fans breaking strict social distancing guidelines at a bar in Aberdeen last night prompted a stern warning during today’s coronavirus briefing.
Dozens of punters can be seen jumping up and down as they hug each other as they celebrate the success of the Tartan Army Euro Qualifiers on Thursday.
Various pub goers can be seen running between different groups in The Draft Project’s crowded courtyard.
(Image: UGC)
The pop-up pub, which is part of the PB Devo group that also owns Soul Bar, has strict rules on punters following coronavirus guidelines.
But the latest coronavirus guidelines were shown to be ignored as football fans celebrated Scotland’s first goal.
Deputy Prime Minister John Swinney was asked about the reaction of fans at the daily coronavirus briefing.
Video not available
He said: “There is clearly an appetite for people to celebrate after what was a very, very anxious night last night.
“All the credit to the Scotland team for their endurance and perseverance, but there has also been endurance and perseverance from football fans for the last 22 years when we have been absent from these competitions.
“I think we all understand the natural desire to celebrate but, and of course there has to be a but here, the virus is a very real threat to all of our lives, our communities and our loved ones.
“Today I had to report some terrible statistics on the number of deaths that have occurred from coronavirus.
“Although we are all frustrated and fed up with the restrictions, and when something like a great victory for the Scottish football team is presented, naturally we all want to celebrate.
(Image: UGC)
He added: “Yes, we want to celebrate, but we all have to understand that following the social distancing rules and the FACTS guide that I have established are critical to interrupting the spread of the virus.
“What the virus needs, frankly, is human contact and we are all losing it.
“We are all missing the opportunity to celebrate and hug and cuddle the way we normally do with our loved ones and families.
But if we let our guard down, the virus will have a chance to spread.
“We always have to keep our guard up and if we do, we can make further progress in suppressing the virus and we can look forward to happier times when we have the best of the virus. – some of the celebrations we all look forward to in the coming years ”.
Aberdeen remains at the Level 2 protection level, where a maximum of six people from two different households can meet in outdoor hospitality venues.
Aberdeen Central SNP MSP Kevin Stewart also expressed concern about the scenes after being contacted by concerned locals.
He tweeted: “Today 58 people at Grampian tested positive for Covid-19. Tonight, I receive messages with video footage from an Aberdeen bar showing clear violations of the regulations.
“This is not good enough and I will contact the police and council tomorrow and they should investigate.”
(Image: Twitter)
Susan Webb, NHS Grampian Public Health Director, said: “I am aware of the images being shared on social media, apparently filmed in licensed facilities in Aberdeen during last night’s match in Scotland.
“While I cannot comment on these specific circumstances, I can say this: this virus does not rest. It does not take a minute of rest, much less 90 minutes, extra time and penalties.
“Lowering your guard gives you the opportunity to move from person to person and, as many families can confirm, it can have deadly consequences.
“I absolutely understand the desire to celebrate. Staff working across the NHS also want to celebrate. We want to get back to normal.
“That can only happen if we all work together and continue to adhere to the guide.”
(Image: UGC)
A spokeswoman for the Aberdeen City Council confirmed that they were aware and were investigating.
Scotland’s Police Chief Inspector David Howieson said: “We are aware of the images circulating on social media after the Scotland game last night.
“Officers were on patrol in the city center throughout the night and attended the facility in question where they supported personnel who expelled several clients after spontaneous reaction to Scotland’s first goal.
“The police are working closely with the clearance and environmental health teams of local authorities to investigate all the circumstances.”
The owners of The Draft Project previously issued an apology after large crowds queued outside another of their venues in August.
Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon called the scene “dangerous” before the city was put under a complete local blockade a few days later.
PB Devo has been contacted to contact.
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