Jim White and Simon Jordan slam section of Rangers fans as club statement released
Rangers supporters are divided as uproar ensues from the recent official statement to come out of Ibrox.
Following the unfurling of a banner among the Union Bears group of ‘ultras’ housed in the Copland Road stand, alongside alleged launching of missiles and use of pyrotechnics, Rangers told fans concerned to “disassociate” themselves with the club if they perform in any kind of discriminatory manner.
Rangers are at risk of a fine from UEFA for the various investigated controversies during the second leg of the Europa League last-tie with Fenerbahce at Ibrox last Thursday (13 March).
Rangers fans debated by White and Jordan
A section of the ardent Rangers support unfurled a banner last week at Ibrox which divided the opinions of many supporters and the media alike.
Jim White and Simon Jordan have been no exception, as White labelled the relevant fans as “discriminatory” in their activity – backing Rangers’ strongly-worded official communication.
Jordan agreed that the concept of ‘ultras’ could be more trouble than worthwhile, but defended the Gers fans should they hold a belief that should not be perceived as “racist” or “discrimination” of some kind.
The banner read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”
“My nose tells me that the modern-day version of ultras is bordering on the territory of being more trouble than they’re worth,” Jordan said live on talkSPORT (20 March, 10:24).
“It would appear to me that they cause more aggravation than they are entitled to do. The missile-throwing and the pyrotechnics – there should be consequences for that.
“And while I’m not suggesting these banners should always be put up, I’m not entirely sure that not wanting overseas ideologies and wanting to defend Europe is ‘racist’.”
White responded: “It’s discriminatory though, isn’t it? They’re targeting a certain group of people.”
Jordan added: “Football fans are individuals of their own right, they can formulate opinions of their own. It has some validity.”
“But not at a football match,” retorted White.
Gers under scrutiny from SFA as well as UEFA
Rangers not only have the UEFA controversy to consider but also a potential heavy sanction from the SFA, following two incidents in the Old Firm win over Celtic.
In Sunday’s momentous victory in a chaotic derby encounter for Barry Ferguson and his side, Gers have been criticised for Vaclav Cerny’s squirting of water towards the home crowd after Hamza Igamane’s winning strike late on.
Mohamed Diomande has also raised concern over his “gun” mimic celebration after putting his side two up before half-time, as the gesture appeared to be aimed towards the Celtic fans.
| Rangers in past seven days |
| Beat Fenerbahce to qualify for Europa League last eight |
| Beat Celtic 3-2 in Old Firm derby |
| Charged by SFA |
| Charged by UEFA |
White appeared to be a lot more lighthearted towards Cerny’s antics as he laughed on air about the incident with journalist Bill Leckie.
It’s possible Cerny may miss up to eight games banned as a worst-case scenario which could rule him out of the rest of his loan spell’s matches, though luckily for Ferguson and the Light Blues does not affect his appearance in the Europa League.