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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Rangers fans in furious 'lies and corruption' Nicola Sturgeon farewell message

Rangers fans cited drug deaths and strain on the NHS in a furious banner blast at outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The SNP leader announced her intention to stand down as FM earlier this week - but will continue in post until a new leader is elected.

This afternoon - during the Scottish Premiership match against Livingston - Rangers supporters aimed a banner at Sturgeon.

Blasting her close to nine years in the role, a fan banner accused Sturgeon's time in office of having been "years of lies and corruption".

The display read: "Years of lies and corruption. Most drug deaths in Europe. NHS Crippled. Union maintained. #ThankYouNicola"

It comes as Rangers supporters also aimed a banner blast at the club over the trophy-haul in recent years referencing Michael Beale's comments on "standards" at the club.

The Ibrox boss had stated his decision to instruct his team to allow Partick Thistle to score an uncontested goal last week was the right thing to do citing the "high standards" at Rangers.

However, his remark was used in the fan banner blast this afternoon.

At a press conference at Bute House on Wednesday, Sturgeon said: "Being First Minister of Scotland is, in my admittedly biased opinion, the very best job in the world. It's a privilege beyond measure, one that has sustained and inspired me in good times and in the toughest hours of my toughest days.

"I am proud to stand here as the first female and longest-serving incumbent of this office and I'm very proud of what has been achieved in the years I've been in Bute House.

"However, since my very first moments in the job I have believed that part of serving well would be to know, almost instinctively, when the time is right to make way for someone else and when that time came to have the courage to do so even if to people across the country and in my party it might seem too soon.

"In my head and in my heart, I know that time is now, that it is right for me, my party and the country so today I am announcing my intention to step down as leader of my party."

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