Rangers v St Johnstone: Sky reporter reacts to ‘Strange’ thing Union Bears did
Rangers are dealing with a “strange” atmosphere inside Ibrox for their contest with St Johnstone due to a “silence protest” from the Union Bears, according to Gordon Duncan.
Duncan, speaking live on Sky Sports (12 January, 15:07), discussed the subdued environment among the supporters at the stadium due to a planned series of protests.
It is believed fan action – particularly from the vocal Union Bears group – comes in the wake of Patrick Stewart’s public backing of Philippe Clement despite the Gers marooned a long way behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and the Belgian under intense pressure.
“It’s really all about the atmosphere, so much talk of course calls for Philippe Clement to leave. Patrick Stewart, the CEO, backing him yesterday – then fan groups calling for protests today, they want the fans to walk out after 55 minutes,” Duncan described.
“It was always going to be about the atmosphere and I have to say it’s been very strange because Ibrox is a lot busier than people expected, people thought maybe supporters would say away – it is pretty full but it’s very quiet.
“The Union Bears, where most of the songs come from, have decided to stay quiet in some sort of silence protest. It’s a very strange atmosphere because it’s full but not much noise.”
Rangers fans furious with Stewart comments on Clement
Many Rangers supporters have long reached the end of their tether with Clement, who looks now to be clinging onto his Old Firm win over Celtic on 2 January.
Some quarters believed that would buy the 50-year-old until the end of the season in charge, but the derby victory at Ibrox has been the only win in five heading into the St Johnstone fixture.
The pressure has quickly built back on Clement to the point of fan protests, which may not be given even a second thought by the board but could conversely be listened to.
The second half of January also presents a key opportunity to emerge from the month with a stronger squad than how the Light Blues entered it, with Nils Koppen looking to lead a charge to bring in ideal reinforcements.
There will be days when it becomes easier for Clement, but fury is never too far ahead with the inconsistency his side have shown this campaign.
In other Rangers news, a loan opportunity emerges for the Gers for a Swedish international playing in England.
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