Protest over controversial shotgun display during Old Firm football match
Rowdy Rangers Supporters Under Fire Again for Offensive Banners
pleasantries aside, Rangers' fans!'re back at it again, causing a stir with yet another disturbing display. During the heated Scottish Premiership match against their rivals, Celtic, a banner emerged that left many scratching their heads. The offensive tifo, boldly displayed by a section of the Copland Stand crowd, projected a sinister image of former manager Graeme Souness brandishing a double-barrel shotgun.
The caption beneath this chilling image read, "Take aim against the rebel scum," unwittingly setting the tone for the foul play to follow. The banner, reminiscent of a real photograph taken in 1982 ahead of Scotland's World Cup match against New Zealand, has left a bitter taste not only among competitors but also those calling for a unified, non-sectarian football atmosphere.
The debacle didn't end there. A yob, evidently lacking self-control, decided to hurl a glass bottle onto the playing field, narrowly missing Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisal. Rangers, traditionally advocates for sportsmanship, quickly condemned these uncivilized and unwarranted actions, emphasizing their commitment to rooting out such behavior.
"Unacceptable conduct has no place at our stadium," said a Rangers spokesperson, assuring that stern action would be taken once the offender is apprehended. The club also expressed dissatisfaction with the previous tifo, admitting it had crossed a line and vowed to re-evaluate their approach to support displays to maintain a balance of trust, responsibility, and oversight.
The police are currently investigating the matter, and previous run-ins with UEFA have taught Rangers a lesson - one banner deemed racist or sectarian can cost the club dearly. In March, UEFA fined the club €30,000 ($34,029) and issued a suspended partial stadium closure over a banner displayed during their Europa League match against Fenerbahce. The offensive sign, which read "Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe," was deemed unacceptable by UEFA.
Despite repeated attempts to eradicate such bigotry, the tarnished history of Rangers' supporters is plagued with controversial and divisive displays that continue to create unnecessary tension with Celtic FC. With its roots deeply entwined in Protestant and Unionist identity, the club remains embroiled in sectarianism controversies that hinder its progress towards a more unified and inclusive football culture. Acknowledging the challenges, the "Pride Over Prejudice" campaign was launched in 2003 to promote inclusivity and urge fans to embrace all backgrounds. However, the ongoing sectarian tensions continue to cast a dark cloud over the club, making it challenging to shake off archaic stereotypes.
- The Copland Stand crowd, once again, displayed a discriminatory banner during a Rangers game, causing controversy.
- The image on the offensive tifo showed former manager Graeme Souness with a double-barrel shotgun, reminiscent of a controversial photograph from 1982.
- A yob's unacceptable conduct escalated the situation, as a glass bottle was thrown onto the field, nearly hitting Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisal.
- Rangers have been fined in the past for similar offenses, as UEFA imposed a €30,000 fine and a suspended partial stadium closure in March over a racist and sectarian banner.
- The club's efforts to promote inclusivity, like the "Pride Over Prejudice" campaign, have been ongoing, but the lingering sectarian tensions between Rangers and Celtic FC continue to overshadow the club's progress.
