Thousands of supporters carrying flags and smoke bombs breached the Scottish government's stay-at-home rules to welcome Gerrard and his team into the stadium before their clash with St Mirren.

A 3-0 win over the Buddies leaves the Gers on the verge of being crowned champions for the first time in a decade.

But the scenes before kick-off drew swift condemnation, with a spokesperson saying the government was "extremely disappointed" with the actions of the Light Blues faithful at a time when the nation is still battling to get the COVID-19 pandemic under control.

Gerrard, though, had sympathy for the outpouring of emotion from a support that have stood by their team while they mounted a long recovery from their 2012 financial collapse.

"I've got to get my words right here - we are still experiencing and are involved in a pandemic. It's important fans try to stay humble and safe," he said.

"That's the priority - people's safety. I totally understand that.

"But at the same time, if you've got anything inside you or any part of your heart can understand what the fans have been through, you can totally understand what's gone on outside this stadium.

"It's my job to try and control that.

"Safety is paramount at the moment but it's tough because it has been an emotional three years for me.

"The fans have been here for much longer than that and have been through a lot in 10 years.

"So you can certainly understand it."

Gerrard's squad could get their hands on the trophy as early as Sunday if Celtic slip up at Dundee United

If not, the Ibrox support can still look forward to the dream scenario of finally putting an end to their bitter rival's reign of dominance at Parkhead when they head to the Hoops' home patch on March 21.

The jubilant scenes before the game were matched at full-time as the Rangers players raced to the corner of Ibrox at the Copland Road end where a small group of fans had stayed on to cheer them through the match.

Australian Associated Press