Patrick Stewart ‘uncomfortable’ in Ibrox directors box after latest Rangers development
Rangers fans unveiled a controversial tifo earlier this month depicting Graeme Souness appearing to aim a shotgun at Celtic supporters, with a message below.
The Ibrox club then released a statement on the banner displayed in the Old Firm derby, saying it crossed a line and was unacceptable.
Barry Ferguson’s side returned to Ibrox as they beat Aberdeen 4-0 on 11 May, thanks to goals from Jefte, Hamza Igamane, Cyriel Dessers, and Vaclav Cerny.
While the result would have brought joy and relief to chief executive Patrick Stewart, events in the stands might have made him feel rather unnerved.
Stewart endured supporters backlash at Ibrox
Stewart was in the stands as the Gers returned to winning ways against Aberdeen, which was their first win since late March.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| 5 April | Hibernian | Lost 2-0 |
| 13 April | Aberdeen | Drew 2-2 |
| 26 April | St Mirren | Drew 2-2 |
| 4 May | Celtic | Drew 1-1 |
| 11 May | Aberdeen | Won 4-0 |
After incidents involving the Souness tifo, he would have been aware that supporters might air their opinions.
Sure enough, the chief executive was on the receiving end of more banners displayed in the Rangers end, calling out the current board yet again.
Writing in the Scottish Daily Mail (12 May, page 58), Callum Crowe reacted: “There has already been a blue banner held up in support of Graeme Souness, when, midway through the first half, they went again for the second time.
“This time, on a white background with black writing, it read: ‘Jumped the gun and lost the fans. No apology – no surrender’.
“Up in the directors’ box, chief executive Patrick Stewart must have moved a little uncomfortably in his seat when he saw it.”
Rangers must convince supporters with summer decisions
The Bears are currently in a state of limbo as they await the takeover of the 49ers at Ibrox.
It appears the Glasgow club will wait for the takeover to be complete before making any significant decisions on the pitch, with Kevin Thelwell recently appointed.
One of those decisions will involve the managerial position, with Ferguson still in temporary charge.
Although the 47-year-old has been vocal about his desire to land the job permanently, the club are likely to appoint from elsewhere.
Steven Gerrard has been linked with a sensational return to the Scottish club, but nothing concrete has emerged on that front, with Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl another name under consideration.
Another in the frame is Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo, who could take his first step into management, with an offer on the table.
One thing that is for certain is that Rangers must get their next appointment spot on or risk the wrath of supporters even further, if that is even possible right now.