Latest news with #TIFO
The National
a day ago
- The National
Police make decision on Union Bears' 'rebel scum' banner
The Rangers fan organisation displayed the TIFO, which pictured Graeme Souness with a shotgun, at a match versus Celtic at Ibrox in May. The words 'Take aim at the rebel scum' were written below the image of Souness. It was soon seized by the authorities, but has now been returned to the ultras group after no criminality was found. Read more: A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Following enquiries into the banner, no criminality was established." At the time, Rangers hit out at the banner: "We also acknowledge that the tifo displayed prior to kick-off crossed a line and was unacceptable," a club statement read. "Our approach to supporter displays has always been built on trust, with the responsibility placed on groups to exercise good judgment. "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."
Glasgow Times
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Rangers propose 'formal approval' for future TIFO displays
This follows a controversial banner at Sunday's game, organised by the Union Bears, depicting Graeme Souness with a shotgun and the phrase: 'Take aim at the rebel scum.' The club condemned the banner after the 1-1 draw with Celtic. A spokesperson said: "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 judgment. "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." The swift reaction to the banner caused discontent among fans, who felt the club was hasty in its response. Key club officials, including CEO Patrick Stewart, addressed the issue at a Tuesday meeting with Rangers' fan advisory board. They revealed plans for future TIFOs to be 'pre-approved.' The club admitted they were unaware of the content of Sunday's banner but helped facilitate the display for logistical reasons. The fan board, however, resisted the idea of pre-approval, as it would necessitate regular engagement with organisers, typically the Union Bears. Minutes from the meeting stated: "The club's decision to allow fan groups full discretion over TIFO content without prior approval has now been recognised as placing both the club and fan groups in a challenging situation. "The club acknowledges that it is not right to abdicate judgment on matters of regulatory compliance and reputation management to fan groups. "The club suggested a formal approval process for future club-facilitated fan displays will be required to safeguard both fans and the club. "However, the FAB as a group could not agree to this as it would require collaboration and discussion with the fan groups who create the TIFOs. "The club acknowledged this and will follow up with those groups separately."
The National
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Rangers explain reasons for controversial TIFO statement
The club were heavily criticised by their own fans after they swiftly condemned the display, organised by the Union Bears, which was held aloft as the teams emerged from the tunnel last Sunday. An image of club legend Graeme Souness holding a shotgun was accompanied by a message, which read: 'Take aim at the rebel scum'. A club spokesperson said: "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 judgment. "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." Now, having met with Rangers' fan advisory board earlier this week, club chiefs have detailed why they took such action in the aftermath of the incident. Key members of the club's hierarchy, such as CEO Patrick Stewart and chief of communications Greig Mailer, took part in the discussions on Tuesday evening. Minutes of the meeting have now been published by the fan board. Within this, the club refutes the notion that they were 'knee-jerk' in their approach to reacting to the TIFO - now in the hands of Police Scotland - with their statement. Read more: Another key takeaway from the meeting was that the club did not have prior approval as to the contents of the banner. "The strength of feeling among the fanbase on the issue is very strong in terms of the club's handling of the situation and this was echoed by the FAB and firmly conveyed," the opening section of the meeting minutes read. "The club's statement was perceived as being issued too quickly and in a reactionary manner. "There is a recurring frustration that while the club acts quickly to condemn its own fans, it does not consistently defend our own supporters when they are the target of provocative or offensive actions by others." The minutes can be read in full HERE.
The Herald Scotland
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Rangers explain reasons for controversial TIFO statement
An image of club legend Graeme Souness holding a shotgun was accompanied by a message, which read: 'Take aim at the rebel scum'. A club spokesperson said: "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 judgment. "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." Now, having met with Rangers' fan advisory board earlier this week, club chiefs have detailed why they took such action in the aftermath of the incident. Key members of the club's hierarchy, such as CEO Patrick Stewart and chief of communications Greig Mailer, took part in the discussions on Tuesday evening. Minutes of the meeting have now been published by the fan board. Within this, the club refutes the notion that they were 'knee-jerk' in their approach to reacting to the TIFO - now in the hands of Police Scotland - with their statement. Read more: Another key takeaway from the meeting was that the club did not have prior approval as to the contents of the banner. "The strength of feeling among the fanbase on the issue is very strong in terms of the club's handling of the situation and this was echoed by the FAB and firmly conveyed," the opening section of the meeting minutes read. "The club's statement was perceived as being issued too quickly and in a reactionary manner. "There is a recurring frustration that while the club acts quickly to condemn its own fans, it does not consistently defend our own supporters when they are the target of provocative or offensive actions by others." The minutes can be read in full HERE.
