Rangers Football Club finds itself at a pivotal moment as tensions rise between the club hierarchy and its passionate fanbase following a controversial tifo display during the recent Old Firm derby against Celtic. The banner, which depicted club legend Graeme Souness holding a shotgun and bore the provocative slogan "Take aim at the rebel scum," has sparked significant backlash and prompted a robust discussion among club officials and fan representatives.
The tifo was prominently displayed before the match on May 4, 2025, and quickly drew the ire of the Rangers management. In a statement released after the 1-1 draw, the club condemned the display as "unacceptable," asserting that it crossed a line in terms of acceptable fan expressions. A club spokesperson stated, "Our approach to supporter displays has always been built on trust, with the responsibility placed on groups to exercise good judgment." This condemnation was met with criticism from the fan advisory board, who felt the club's response was hasty and reactionary.
On May 6, 2025, the fan advisory board met with club executives, including CEO Patrick Stewart and chief of communications Greig Mailer, to discuss the fallout from the tifo incident. Minutes from this meeting revealed that the fan representatives expressed concerns over the club's quick condemnation of the banner, with many supporters viewing the tifo as "edgy rather than offensive." The fan board called for a more balanced approach to similar issues in the future, emphasizing that the club's heritage was at risk of being diluted.
During the discussions, it was noted that the club had no prior knowledge of the tifo's content before it was unveiled. The minutes highlighted a recurring frustration among fans that while the club swiftly condemns its own supporters, it does not consistently defend them when they face provocations from others. This sentiment was echoed in the fan board's assertion that the club should be more proactive in defending its supporters' rights.
As the discussions unfolded, club officials acknowledged the need for a formal approval process for future tifo displays. They admitted that allowing fan groups full discretion over display content without prior approval had placed both the club and its supporters in a difficult position. The club proposed that future displays be pre-approved to safeguard against similar controversies, although the fan board expressed reservations about this approach, indicating that it would require ongoing engagement with the groups that organize such displays, typically the Union Bears.
Rangers' management emphasized that the club's statement regarding the tifo was considered rather than knee-jerk, and they reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the standards and reputation of the club. They also recognized the potential risks associated with the tifo in relation to SPFL regulations regarding unacceptable conduct and abusive displays.
The meeting lasted for a full 90 minutes, with both sides presenting their views on how to navigate the complexities of fan expressions while maintaining the club's integrity. Club officials reiterated their pride in the passionate fanbase and the shared responsibility to uphold the club's values.
In the aftermath of the derby, Rangers also condemned an unrelated incident in which a bottle was thrown during the match. A spokesperson stated, “Rangers Football Club condemns the actions of the individual who threw a bottle during today’s match. This behaviour has no place at our stadium.” The club is currently working to identify the individual responsible and will take appropriate action once their identity is confirmed.
As Rangers navigates this challenging moment, the dialogue between the club and its fans will be crucial in shaping the future of supporter displays at Ibrox. The proposed formal approval process for tifo displays reflects the club's recognition of the need for balance between fan expression and the safeguarding of its reputation. Whether this approach will satisfy the passionate Rangers supporters remains to be seen, but it marks a significant step in addressing the concerns raised during this heated exchange.
With the club at a crossroads, the coming weeks will be critical as Rangers seeks to strike a balance between honoring its rich heritage and ensuring that the actions of its supporters align with the values of the club. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for how such displays are managed in the future, potentially reshaping the atmosphere at Ibrox and the relationship between the club and its dedicated fanbase.
