Rangers legend betrayed over latest Ibrox controversy – ‘Embarrassment’
Rangers have been involved in plenty of controversy since their draw with Celtic in the Old Firm derby last weekend.
Barry Ferguson’s side could not find a way to beat the Scottish champions as the match ended 1-1.
However, it was a match filled with controversial moments, with Rangers convinced they should have had a penalty near the end.
Yet, a week after the match ended, talk about the game continues, with the Ibrox faithful now being accused of betraying Graeme Souness.
Graeme Souness ‘betrayed by Rangers’ due to offensive banner v Celtic
The Old Firm derby was no doubt filled with excited Rangers fans at Ibrox last weekend. The impending takeover of the 49ers has given the Gers hope that they can finally end Celtic’s domestic dominance.
However, supporters may have gone too far in the derby after an offensive banner was shown.
Fans in the Copland Stand unfurled a tifo that featured an image of Graeme Souness pointing a shotgun, along with a message that included an expletive.
| Graeme Souness’ managerial record at Rangers | |
| Games managed | 260 |
| Wins | 165 |
| Draws | 50 |
| Losses | 45 |
| Win percentage | 41.40 per cent |
| Honours | Scottish Premier Divsion x3, Scottish League Cup x4 |
Rangers have since released a statement condemning the tifo as it “crossed a line”.
Now, journalist Hugh Keevins has weighed in on the controversy stating that Souness would have been “disgusted” by the banner.
He told the Daily Record (11 May): “Speaking of which, I can only imagine the sense of betrayal, embarrassment and revulsion that must have washed over Graeme when he realised his image had been stolen for use in an offensive banner unfurled by Rangers fans last Sunday.
“It was identity theft of the worst kind and an awful thing to happen to a good man.”
Rangers fans cannot excuse offensive banner at the Old Firm derby
While the banner’s intention might have been to heighten morale and encourage fans around the ground, it likely did the opposite.
Simply put, you cannot display banners such as that in today’s game, or you risk punishment.
Keevins is right that Souness has been betrayed by Rangers fans, as the Gers legend is now unwillingly caught up in this saga.
It will not help anyone by making tifos such as this, and in future, Rangers must consult Souness if they want to use his image for a banner.