Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has strongly condemned a controversial banner displayed by Rangers fans during a recent football match against Celtic. The incident unfolded at the Premiership encounter on Sunday, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The banner featured a large image of former Rangers manager Graeme Souness holding a double-barreled shotgun, accompanied by the provocative slogan, “Take aim against the rebel scum.” The display has triggered an investigation by Police Scotland, which is currently reviewing the incident.

Swinney labelled the banner as “unacceptable,” highlighting the importance of respectful behaviour at sporting events. He stated, “I don’t think that was an appropriate image,” and indicated that the Scottish government would “reflect” on the matter. Emphasising the need for clubs to take responsibility, he noted, “It’s for the club to reflect on that issue, to address any issues, and for the police to make their judgment about that matter as well.”

In addition to the banner, the match also saw some disorderly conduct, with reports of items—including a glass bottle—being thrown into the penalty area occupied by Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo during the second half. A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed their awareness of the incidents and stated that inquiries into both the banner and the bottle-throwing are ongoing.

Rangers Football Club has publicly condemned the actions of the individual responsible for the bottle-throwing, asserting that such behaviour is unacceptable within their stadium. The club’s official statement expressed determination to identify the individual and impose the “strongest possible action” once their identity is confirmed. The club acknowledged that the tifo display had “crossed a line” and was unacceptable. Rangers emphasised the importance of trust in managing supporter displays, stating, “We will reflect on how these displays are managed and engage with supporter groups to ensure the right balance of trust, responsibility and oversight is maintained moving forward. Rangers is proud of its passionate fanbase, and we all share a duty to protect the standards and reputation of our club.”

In a parallel incident, police are reviewing footage of a Celtic fan allegedly mocking the deaths of 66 Rangers supporters during the tragic Ibrox Disaster of 1971. The investigation into this and the earlier incidents underscores ongoing concerns surrounding behaviour among football fanbases in Scotland.

Source: Noah Wire Services