John Swinney condemns Rangers fans for ‘unacceptable' Graeme Souness banner

Glasgow Times

05-05-2025

A display in the Copland Stand ahead of Sunday's William Hill Premiership match against Celtic depicted former Rangers manager Souness holding a double-barrelled shotgun, with the words 'Take aim against the rebel scum' underneath.
It was one of several flashpoints that sparked police involvement following the 1-1 draw.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the banner and enquiries are ongoing.'
Celtic fans were back in Ibrox after an away fans ban in the fixture (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Swinney declared it was 'vital' to have respectful behaviour at matches and that the Scottish Government would 'reflect' on the display.
Mr Swinney continued: 'Obviously there was a banner displayed which was unacceptable at the weekend.
'I don't think that was an appropriate image. But it's for the club to reflect on that issue, to address any issues and for the police to make their judgement about that matter as well.'
Several items, including a glass bottle, were also thrown into Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo's penalty area in the second half.
A glass bottle that was thrown onto the pitch (Andrew Milligan/PA)
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the incident and enquiries are ongoing.'
Rangers released a statement at the weekend, condemning the bottle-throwing and making clear the club did not approve of the image.
It said: '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.
'Steps have already been taken to identify the person responsible, and the club will take the strongest possible action once their identity is confirmed.
'We also acknowledge that the tifo displayed prior to kick-off crossed a line and was unacceptable. Our approach to supporter displays has always been built on trust, with the responsibility placed on groups to exercise good judgement.
A general view of the Copland Stand with a large banner (Steve Welsh/PA)
'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.'
Police also confirmed they were studying footage of a Celtic fan at the match who appeared to be mocking the deaths of 66 Rangers fans during the 1971 Ibrox Disaster.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the incident and enquiries are ongoing.'