BBC Scotland reporter shares what the Union Bears banner at Rangers board said in win v Kilmarnock
Rangers fan group the Union Bears displayed a banner that claimed the club’s board were “taking their eye off the ball” during the 3-1 win against Kilmarnock at Ibrox, according to BBC Scotland reporter Martin Dowden.
The prominent supporter groups unveiled the banner on Saturday (4 March) as Michael Beale’s side returned to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership and closed the gap to Celtic to six points for the time being.
Writing for the BBC Sport website, Dowden reported how the mood at Ibrox was “subdued” following the disappointing 2-1 defeat to fierce rivals Celtic in the Viaplay Cup final, and the protest was evidently a dig at the club’s board.
He wrote: “The goal was exactly what Rangers needed and Kilmarnock feared. It’s lifted the mood around the stadium, which felt subdues – understandably so.
“That sentiment was pointedly shared by the Union Bears section of Ibrox as they displayed a banner saying ‘After 55 titles, you took your eye off the ball. Time for change.’
“It’s clear the hangover from that cup final has had an impact. Presumably, that message is aimed at the board and those in charge of recruitment rather than at Michael Beale himself.”
Boiling point
The defeat to Celtic in the Viaplay Cup final seems to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back. Although the Gers have been in impeccable form in the league since Beale’s arrival, the vast difference in quality to their Old Firm rivals was clear for all to see – and the transfer business from the past few years has therefore come under scrutiny.
The board and Ross Wilson are the culprits of the club’s lack of trophies over the last decade and they seem to have let things slip away and into Celtic’s hands. The appointment of Giovanni Van Bronckhorst was a blatant failure, and the reluctance to sack him all but wrote off the 2022/23 season for the club.
If Rangers wish to close the gap to Ange Postecoglou’s side, it must start at the top of the club.
Change is needed, and the fans have seen enough.
In other Rangers news, Beale shares an official club update on current stars’ contract situations.