Tom English slams ‘populist nonsense’ amid dispute as fallout from Rangers game continues
The continuing debate on pyrotechnics in the wake of the Rangers win over Dundee has seen the argument in favour slammed as “populist nonsense” by Tom English.
The BBC journalist replied via Twitter (11 November) to back up Rangers Review’s Jonny McFarlane against the presence of flares in the stands, after the 5-0 Gers in on 1 November was halted amid their use in the away end.
A Herald article on the subject sparked an online disagreement between McFarlane and Grant Russell, with the story reporting that “key stakeholders in the game” are set to meet over the issue this month after the events at Dens Park.
McFarlane had responded to Grant Russell and said: “The pied piper of pyro’s points here are, as usual, preposterous. The SFSA’s chairman is detailing the experience of ordinary fans who are being affected by its use. It’s simple; experts (ones Grant chooses to ignore) say Pyro isn’t safe.”
English then joined to say: “‘Ah Jonny, ignore the science. Just go with the vibes.’ That’s the extent of the pro-pyro argument. Populist nonsense.”
Run and run
It looks like the subject isn’t going to go away any time soon, and despite pyro being something that various teams’ supporters use it is Rangers that are in the spotlight more than most after the Dundee win.
As with so many issues the Light Blues draw a stronger reaction due to their size and the strength of opinion around the club.
On the night the delay to the game and the police involvement overshadowed a hugely-encouraging big way for Philippe Clement’s side.
The Belgian himself subsequently appealed to supporters to avoid a repeat as he said “we don’t need it” [via Rangers Review, 3 November].
Fans are likely to be more well disposed to listening to the former Monaco boss as his revolution continues at Ibrox.
He has now won every game but one, a 0-0 draw away at Sparta Prague, lifting spirits significantly since Michael Beale’s exit, and is sure not to want anything to distract from the progress on the pitch he has brought about.
In other Rangers news, Premier League teams scouted an Ibrox sensation this week as the club scramble to head off interest according to Fabrizio Romano.