Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has condemned the tifo unveiled by Rangers fans ahead of Sunday’s Glasgow derby, describing the display as “unacceptable” and urging both clubs and police to take action where necessary.
The banner in question, which featured Rangers legend Graeme Souness holding a shotgun alongside the slogan “Take aim against the rebel scum,” drew widespread outrage for its aggressive imagery and messaging. The shotgun’s barrel was also seemingly visually aligned in the direction of the Celtic support inside Ibrox.
Sky Sports’ cameras picked it up for those tuning in, while photos also emerged from those within the ground.
Police Scotland have since seized the banner and launched an investigation to assess whether the tifo broke any laws. Rangers, in their post-match statement, acknowledged the display had “crossed a line” and promised to review their protocols around supporter displays.
They are holding the banner to use for potential evidence.
Speaking to the media on Monday while opening a new Heineken office in Edinburgh, Swinney was clear in his stance on the matter. “Obviously there was a banner displayed which was unacceptable at the weekend,” he said to the National. “These issues have to be addressed by the clubs themselves but also by the police if they judge it appropriate to do so.”
He continued: “It is vital that we have respectful behaviour at football matches. That has to be followed by the clubs involved. If there are issues that require the involvement of the police, then the police have to be involved.”
Pressed specifically on the Souness shotgun image, Swinney added: “I don’t think that was an appropriate image. But it’s for the club to reflect on that issue, to address any issues and for the police to make their judgment about that matter as well.”
The FM said that the government would “reflect” on the derby and the events which surrounded it.
As expected, while at the Heineken office, the topic of alcohol at stadiums was brought up, but Swinney shut down the chat, insisting his stance, that the ban would remain in place, was clear.
