Representatives from Club 1872 met with Police Scotland yesterday to discuss issues relative to the forthcoming Hogmanay Rangers v Celtic game at Ibrox. It afforded us the opportunity to raise concerns in respect of the previous league encounter earlier in the season at Parkhead, and in particular the hanging of effigies of Rangers supporters in mock style executions, which alarmingly, even several hours later and despite images of this offensive conduct being circulated to widespread condemnation both inside and outside Scotland, Police Scotland had failed to take any action relative thereto, suggesting no complaint had been forthcoming. Furthermore the importance of respecting the minute silence associated with this fixture was emphatically emphasised to Police Scotland.
Police Scotland have assured us a robust, even handed Policing model will be in operation on the 31st, with particular emphasis on intelligence led searches of supporter’s buses, zero tolerance of sectarian and alcohol related offences, with every likelihood that persons arrested will remain in custody for the next lawful court date in 2017. Where necessary retrospective investigation will be undertaken using CCTV. We at Club 1872 would expect such zero tolerance to be extended to banners or flags containing words such as “Kill All Huns”, “Hun Scum” or other similar unedifying and unacceptable messages directed at Rangers supporters.
Police Scotland are now fully aware of the residual anger amongst our support and the growing movement amongst our members to further restrict the number of tickets allocated to the away support in respect of this fixture as a consequence of events at Parkhead earlier this season.
A key function of Club 1872 is to represent, protect and defend the interests of our members and the wider Rangers fan base and in that regard let no one be in any doubt we will pursue those aims without fear or compromise.
Issued by Supporters Voice Limited, a Club 1872 company
