The Rangers post-cup sideshow

[John Findlay]

 

Very good statement from Rangers, Okay they are not totally innocent here but they are right to call out Hibs and Petrie aswell as the media for not acknowledging anything.

Rangers finds it incomprehensible that no one, either from within the Scottish FA or Hibernian Football Club, has condemned Hibernian?s supporters following the violent scenes at the end of yesterday?s Scottish Cup final when Rangers players and members of our backroom staff were physically and verbally assaulted. We have not even had the courtesy of any contact whatsoever from Hibernian to ask after the wellbeing of those who were attacked by their club?s supporters.

There must be a full independent investigation into the shameful scenes at Hampden. Rangers is also at a complete loss to understand why certain individuals have hastily attempted to gloss over the appalling events which unfolded at the end of Saturday?s final.

No matter how many times Hibernian?s chairman and Scottish FA vice-chairman, Rod Petrie, and certain other biased commentators wish to play down Saturday?s mayhem and violence, the truth must not be distorted. What unfolded on Saturday cannot and must not be put down to exuberance. That is a complete insult to Rangers, our supporters, and those individuals who were intimidated and attacked.

It was clear to most of those who watched in horror that the Scottish FA?s security procedures failed when Hibernian?s fans went over the top in their thousands. It is to be hoped that all of Scottish football will share Rangers? disgust and any attempts to attach blame to our supporters for the disgraceful and violent behaviour, which led to our players and fans fearing for their safety, will not be accepted or tolerated by this Club.

We acknowledge that a tiny minority of Rangers fans also encroached on the pitch but only after having been faced with prolonged and severe provocation and in order to protect our players and officials who were being visibly attacked in front of them. Any club?s supporters would have done the same. This distressing and deeply disturbing episode would never have happened had Hibs fans behaved properly but as they swarmed across the pitch it became immediately obvious that the security procedures were inadequate and had failed.

These fans were allowed to rush, unchecked, towards Rangers supporters at the opposite end of the stadium ? all the while goading and threatening them. This makes it preposterous to suggest Rangers fans were somehow to blame as some commentators appear anxious to do. This thuggish behaviour must be investigated and as many culprits as possible brought to book and formally charged. This is the second time in a year that Rangers fans have had to endure attacks by another club?s supporters.

It must also be said that it was not at all helpful to see leading members of the Scottish Government, including the First Minister whose parish is Govan, passing comment on social media without any attempt to condemn the behaviour of Hibernian?s fans. These failures are unbecoming of our elected representatives.

Certain media outlets have also attempted to distort reality. In the case of the BBC this is, of course, not news. BBC employees, in particular Stuart Cosgrove, believe Rod Petrie?s comments to be ?balanced? and others speak of a ?minority? of Hibernian supporters. Another, Tom English, who was not even at the match, would prefer the authorities to focus on Rangers fans? reaction. We will not endure this insult.

So, let everyone be clear on one thing ? Rangers demands that players, staff and fans be protected from the violence and hatred of supporters of other clubs. Rangers fully expects the Scottish FA and Police Scotland to take action to provide our people with a safe environment. When players are unable to accept medals at the end of a final because of fears for their safety and our supporters are alarmed and extremely concerned for the women and children among them, then surely every step must be taken to ensure that this is never repeated.

The above statement to me is a statement that gives the message we are Rangers. We are the people. You will bend to our will.

 

It is the statement of the bully and the underlying threats behind it are a disgrace.

 

Let Rangers provide proof beyond doubt that they had six players and staff physically and verbally assaulted. To date I have not seen proof that is beyond doubt. This is to deflect from the bad behaviour of their own fans. In the letting off of flares. Singing songs that are un-appropriate. One which clearly calling Alan Stubbs a sad f e n I a n basted. Rangers regardless of what some may think they are not the total innocents they want to portray.

 

Having said all of the above. They are less guilty than Hibernian FC.

Hibernian FC supporters were beyond the pail yesterday and those in charge of that club have been totally useless in condemning the actions of thousands of their supporters yesterday and to the many who went looking for a fight and got one.

 

Hibernian FC deserve all that will be coming their way and I personally hope it is severe, very severe. Dempster and Petrie have totally mucked up their response to this and lukewarm/insipid doesn't come close to describing their actions or rather lack of them.

 

However Rangers must not be allowed to drive any investigation and the SFA should tell them in no uncertain terms no more inflammatory statements.

 

The SFA have to step upto the mark here and take charge of this situation immediately. If not then Rangers and their media friends will be running this and that is totally unacceptable.

[Gambo]

Dreadful statement that has all the bombast and lack of introspection that's so typical of the likely author - Jim Traynor.

 

Let the investigation take place and the facts be determined. Hibs haven't anywhere to hide and they know it.

But with no comment so far, they are hiding. Rangers are right to call them out.

[noidletalk81]

It's incredibly ironic that after four long and very peaceful years without having to endure the bigoted/racist cancer from Govan, as soon as they are 'back in the big-time' again and just so happen to lose their first major cup final...the obligatory parasitic orc behaviour ensues. Looks like the metempsychosis in to the 'new and improved club' (Sevco 5088) hasn't wiped their sectarian thug slate clean, but merely enhanced it and allowed them to continue on with their 'traditional' ways!

Second thoughts, sorry am wrong...they physically attacked, spat-on, threw coins, boiling-hot drinks etc at men, woman and children of Hearts decent at Ibrox in January 2015, I stand corrected! Getting ahead of myself there.

[OTT]

But with no comment so far, they are hiding. Rangers are right to call them out.

 

http://www.itv.com/news/2016-05-21/sfa-chief-appalled-by-disorder-at-scottish-cup-final/

 

There has been a statement of sorts issued ? 

 

To be honest the SFA are right to keep quiet until they can gather everything they need. Last thing they need is to jump into this with 2 feet and end up looking like more of a joke.

[Glamorgan Jambo]

But with no comment so far, they are hiding. Rangers are right to call them out.

 

Emotions are running high on all sides. There needs to be a cooling off period from everyone. Then an investigation and consequences.

 

All Traynor has done (if it wasn't him the style is very similar) has poured fuel on the flames. It's an utterly ridiculously irresponsible way for any club to behave.

 

PS Petrie's interview yesterday was also ridiculous.

[Independence]

Sturgeon letting herself and country down by praising Hibs but not condemning violence at all. Could this be because her husband is one of the vermin himself.

I think you need a tablet. Have you made an appointment to see your doctor next week?

[Pants Shaton]

I had to check the Rangers website to be sure that statement was real.

 

Stream of consciousness stuff from someone with a double-digit IQ.

 

Referring to the First Minister's 'parish'???

 

Edit: just to be clear - the vermin must suffer for what happened on Saturday

[Dusk_Till_Dawn]

That statement has got Traynor's whining prose all over it.

 

FTH and **** Rangers.

[Auld Reekin']

 

Very good statement from Rangers, Okay they are not totally innocent here but they are right to call out Hibs and Petrie aswell as the media for not acknowledging anything. 

 

Rangers finds it incomprehensible that no one, either from within the Scottish FA or Hibernian Football Club, has condemned Hibernian?s supporters following the violent scenes at the end of yesterday?s Scottish Cup final when Rangers players and members of our backroom staff were physically and verbally assaulted. We have not even had the courtesy of any contact whatsoever from Hibernian to ask after the wellbeing of those who were attacked by their club?s supporters.

There must be a full independent investigation into the shameful scenes at Hampden. Rangers is also at a complete loss to understand why certain individuals have hastily attempted to gloss over the appalling events which unfolded at the end of Saturday?s final.

No matter how many times Hibernian?s chairman and Scottish FA vice-chairman, Rod Petrie, and certain other biased commentators wish to play down Saturday?s mayhem and violence, the truth must not be distorted. What unfolded on Saturday cannot and must not be put down to exuberance. That is a complete insult to Rangers, our supporters, and those individuals who were intimidated and attacked.

It was clear to most of those who watched in horror that the Scottish FA?s security procedures failed when Hibernian?s fans went over the top in their thousands.  It is to be hoped that all of Scottish football will share Rangers? disgust and any attempts to attach blame to our supporters for the disgraceful and violent behaviour, which led to our players and fans fearing for their safety, will not be accepted or tolerated by this Club.

We acknowledge that a tiny minority of Rangers fans also encroached on the pitch but only after having been faced with prolonged and severe provocation and in order to protect our players and officials who were being visibly attacked in front of them. Any club?s supporters would have done the same. This distressing and deeply disturbing episode would never have happened had Hibs fans behaved properly but as they swarmed across the pitch it became immediately obvious that the security procedures were inadequate and had failed.

These fans were allowed to rush, unchecked, towards Rangers supporters at the opposite end of the stadium ? all the while goading and threatening them. This makes it preposterous to suggest Rangers fans were somehow to blame as some commentators appear anxious to do. This thuggish behaviour must be investigated and as many culprits as possible brought to book and formally charged. This is the second time in a year that Rangers fans have had to endure attacks by another club?s supporters.

It must also be said that it was not at all helpful to see leading members of the Scottish Government, including the First Minister whose parish is Govan, passing comment on social media without any attempt to condemn the behaviour of Hibernian?s fans. These failures are unbecoming of our elected representatives.

Certain media outlets have also attempted to distort reality.  In the case of the BBC this is, of course, not news. BBC employees, in particular Stuart Cosgrove, believe Rod Petrie?s comments to be ?balanced? and others speak of a ?minority? of Hibernian supporters. Another, Tom English, who was not even at the match, would prefer the authorities to focus on Rangers fans? reaction. We will not endure this insult.

So, let everyone be clear on one thing ? Rangers demands that players, staff and fans be protected from the violence and hatred of supporters of other clubs. Rangers fully expects the Scottish FA and Police Scotland to take action to provide our people with a safe environment. When players are unable to accept medals at the end of a final because of fears for their safety and our supporters are alarmed and extremely concerned for the women and children among them, then surely every step must be taken to ensure that this is never repeated.

 

 

 

 

[MacDonald Jardine]

Poorly constructed response - that last sentence , Christ. The personal attacks. Sevco just can't help themselves. Any chance to have a go at the SFA & Petrie .

 

" Rangers fully expects ...." just reeks of arrogance and is totally unnecessary.

 

It's an inflammatory response. It's plain to see who the guilty parties are and this statement just fans the flames.

 

All we need now is for the SFA to flame the Hibs fans.

You mean they weren't to blame?

 

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[marquis]

Pretty pathetic from both sides, to be honest. Petrie and Hibs' failure to say anything condemning the violence and assaults is out of order. The Rangers statement is ridiculous - calling out Cosgrove and English is pitiful and the demanding of action pompous and arrogant. It's saying something when the only people appearing measured and responsible so far are the SFA. Mind you I'm ready to retract that if the Hobos don't receive a substantial punishment.

[Space Mackerel]

Whaaaaaaambulance for Traynor.

[OTT]

You mean they weren't to blame?

 

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

 

I think as a member of the Scottish footballing community they should respect the investigation and not comment. There will be a criminal investigation to find the fans responsible and then an SFA investigation to apply blame - they are made of Teflon after all.

 

The statement is embarrassing, cringey and a clear attempt to incite bullying. Its also pretty childish sounding and classless.

 

Tbh if anything I think Rangers should be fined for the 2nd statement. Inciting fans to abuse journalists by using inflammatory words like 'biased' could be argued as bringing the game into disrepute. God knows Vlad got fined enough for it. 

[RudiHMFC]

Totally agree with the Rangers statement, folk would happily see this swept under the rug so good on them, if it was Rangers fans who had initiated the violence and punched hibs players folk would be absolutely up in arms about it, can't let this lie.

[Jammy T]

The above statement to me is a statement that gives the message we are Rangers. We are the people. You will bend to our will.

 

It is the statement of the bully and the underlying threats behind it are a disgrace.

 

Let Rangers provide proof beyond doubt that they had six players and staff physically and verbally assaulted. To date I have not seen proof that is beyond doubt. This is to deflect from the bad behaviour of their own fans. In the letting off of flares. Singing songs that are un-appropriate. One which clearly calling Alan Stubbs a sad f e n I a n basted. Rangers regardless of what some may think they are not the total innocents they want to portray.

 

Having said all of the above. They are less guilty than Hibernian FC.

Hibernian FC supporters were beyond the pail yesterday and those in charge of that club have been totally useless in condemning the actions of thousands of their supporters yesterday and to the many who went looking for a fight and got one.

 

Hibernian FC deserve all that will be coming their way and I personally hope it is severe, very severe. Dempster and Petrie have totally mucked up their response to this and lukewarm/insipid doesn't come close to describing their actions or rather lack of them.

 

However Rangers must not be allowed to drive any investigation and the SFA should tell them in no uncertain terms no more inflammatory statements.

 

The SFA have to step upto the mark here and take charge of this situation immediately. If not then Rangers and their media friends will be running this and that is totally unacceptable.

Nailed it.

[Auld Reekin']

"  Rangers fully expects the Scottish FA and Police Scotland to take action to provide our people with a safe environment. "   

 

Our people, note, not "all fans" or "the general public", or "the paying customers"... "Our people"... * We arra peepel!!!!! We arra peepel!!!!!!          

 

 

 

 

 

 

(*Feck 'em...)

[Pants Shaton]

It was clear, as soon as Hibs fans provoked the Rangers fans, what would happen...

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=i7zw92lSNus

[Jammy T]

Totally agree with the Rangers statement, folk would happily see this swept under the rug so good on them, if it was Rangers fans who had initiated the violence and punched hibs players folk would be absolutely up in arms about it, can't let this lie.

Read John Findlays post for the best summation of this.

[Bowmans_Boot]

If Hibs fans had attacked our players I would expect our club to respond the same way. ..

Let's be honest, we would apologise for someone who had been overheard shouting a naughty word, say we were doing our utmost to trace and ban them, and then say we would leave any investigations to the authorities.

 

Excellent statement from Rangers.

[zoltan socrates]

'leading members of the Scottish Government, including the First Minister whose parish is Govan,'

 

Naughty and unnecessary choice of words I think, would ward not have been better?

[XB52]

They'd have a point if they had condemned their own fans first for fighting, running on the pitch, signing secterian songs and battering their wives.

But they don't so they can shut the **** up.

exactly, if that quote above is really an official statement from the rangers then they should be in as much trouble as the hibs

[Jammy T]

Let's be honest, we would apologise for someone who had been overheard shouting a naughty word, say we were doing our utmost to trace and ban them, and then say we would leave any investigations to the authorities.

 

Excellent statement from Rangers.

The reason their fans went on the pitch was because they saw their players getting attacked.

 

Really?

 

Inciting some sort of campaign against Tom English?

 

It's the typical Rangers Bully Boys tactics in full flow.

[Gizmo]

That statement looks like the first draft of an angry email that you write when you are absolutely furious. But then if you are a sensible person you go for a cuppa, calm down and edit it before hitting send.

 

For once they actually were the less guilty in something but the ranting tone of entitlement is pathetic.

 

Arseholes.

Hear Hear.

 

Bullying petulance from a club synonymous with violence and bigotry. The arrogance seeps out of every word.

 

As much as Hibs deserve to be hammered and Petrie needs to grow a set of balls and finally clamp down on the thuggish element within his club, you can almost see the spittle flying as this ruddy-faced Rangers-minded moron battered his keyboard, driven by an incandescent rage that they actually lost a Cup they probably thought they simply needed to turn up to claim..

[Gizmo]

[Jammy T]

 

Hahaha

[Footballfirst]

I'm not sure that the statement was Traynor's work. I think it is more in the style and rhetoric of Chris Graham.

[Bowmans_Boot]

The reason their fans went on the pitch was because they saw their players getting attacked.

 

Really?

 

Inciting some sort of campaign against Tom English?

 

It's the typical Rangers Bully Boys tactics in full flow.

 

We both know fully why Rangers fans went on the pitch - the Hibs fans taunted and goaded them into it. And they were amazingly restrained, given the circumstances.

 

I would far prefer this attitude of backing up and supporting their own fans rather than ours, which is to condemn (and ban) anything falling short of 100% perfect behaviour. 

[Jammy T]

We both know fully why Rangers fans went on the pitch - the Hibs fans taunted and goaded them into it. And they were amazingly restrained, given the circumstances.

 

I would far prefer this attitude of backing up and supporting their own fans rather than ours, which is to condemn (and ban) anything falling short of 100% perfect behaviour.

So you accept the statement has at least one element of bullshit in it?

 

I'd expect our club to stand up for our fans and players but I'd expect it to be professional and not an irrational rant pointing the finger of blame all over the shop.

 

Rangers fans were restrained but there was no excuse whatsoever for any of their fans to on the pitch at all.

 

What sort of adult can't take a bit of goading without having to go and lamp somebody?

[Nucky Thompson]

The reason their fans went on the pitch was because they saw their players getting attacked.

 

Really?

 

Inciting some sort of campaign against Tom English?

 

It's the typical Rangers Bully Boys tactics in full flow.

Rangers are no angels but you don't really think they are the instigators in this case surely

[Jammy T]

Rangers are no angels but you don't really think they are the instigators in this case surely

Not what i said.

 

I said they are full of shit and are a club full of bullies.

[Wilson]

John Findlay's summary is spot on.

 

It is interesting that no update is provided as to the condition of the assaulted players. 

 

What was needed was strong statements from both clubs condemning the pitch invasion, and the violence which ensued- then a promise to investigate and ban/jail the culprits.

[davemclaren]

We both know fully why Rangers fans went on the pitch - the Hibs fans taunted and goaded them into it. And they were amazingly restrained, given the circumstances.

 

I would far prefer this attitude of backing up and supporting their own fans rather than ours, which is to condemn (and ban) anything falling short of 100% perfect behaviour.

 

100% perfect behaviour.

[Jammy T]

John Findlay's summary is spot on.

 

It is interesting that no update is provided as to the condition of the assaulted players.

 

What was needed was strong statements from both clubs condemning the pitch invasion, and the violence which ensued- then a promise to investigate and ban/jail the culprits.

Lol - there is an update. Players assaulted has gone up from 6 to 11.

 

I guess Rangers thought just 6 incidents wasn't getting enough attention....

[RudiHMFC]

Not what i said.

 

I said they are full of shit and are a club full of bullies.

Waah waah.

[JC]

We both know fully why Rangers fans went on the pitch - the Hibs fans taunted and goaded them into it. And they were amazingly restrained, given the circumstances.

 

I would far prefer this attitude of backing up and supporting their own fans rather than ours, which is to condemn (and ban) anything falling short of 100% perfect behaviour.

I could be wrong but did AB not stick up for our fans after the game at ibrox?

[Jammy T]

Waah waah.

Your best ever post on here. Well done.

[JamboX2]

I'd say they are trying to prejudice the investigation tbh, Hibs fans definitely did things which go above and beyond unacceptable but that statement is nothing more than a PR exercise. Clearly someone at rangers fancies being the SFA VP.

 

No mention of the audible sectarian singing and they are seriously playing down the amount of rangers fans on the pitch.

 

It's a pretty incredulous statement if you ask me. Reads like they got Dave King, Walter Smith, Barry Ferguson, Nacho Novo and Jim Traynor round the pc to bash it out.

 

If they wanted to show that they are in the right here they'd roundly criticise the sectarian singing that was clearly audible and as you say the response of their fans to it. Neither club is 100% in the right here if you ask me, but that to me does just read like a PR excercise designed to fuel their fans more than anything else.

 

Attacking the local MSP who is FM as well strikes me as utterly bizarre. I'm prepared for the rantings against the BBC, police, press, stewards, Hibs and SFA, but Nicola Sturgeon can hardly be accused of much wrongdoing or involvement here at all.

 

As you say, seems more of a stunt than anything. If Anme Budge released anything on that scale I'd be concerned for her ability to run the club.

[Jammy T]

Fortunately I don't have to vote for tinpot MSPs, but are they MSPs of a 'parish' and not constituencies like proper MPs?

[Bowmans_Boot]

So you accept the statement has at least one element of bullshit in it?

 

I'd expect our club to stand up for our fans and players but I'd expect it to be professional and not an irrational rant pointing the finger of blame all over the shop.

 

Rangers fans were restrained but there was no excuse whatsoever for any of their fans to on the pitch at all.

 

What sort of adult can't take a bit of goading without having to go and lamp somebody?

 

Given the circumstances I don't believe there is one set of fans in the world where some of them wouldn't have reacted. Honestly, do you? As a support, I thought they were amazingly restrained and should be applauded for that, rather than being tarred with the same brush as Hibs.

 

I would absolutely love Hibs to be drawn at Ibrox at the first opportunity in the LC next season, by the way.

[Auld Reekin']

Waah waah.

 

[JamboX2]

I could be wrong but did AB not stick up for our fans after the game at ibrox?

Yes she did. Having went to two games at Ibrox last season all I can say is that Rangers fans were absolutely horrendous. Was pelted with crap all game from the "family" stand. Didn't taunt or goad anyone, merely showed up to watch my team play theirs.

 

Went to Celtic Park this season and Easter Road and didn't feel as unsafe as I did at Ibrox. It was good AB did stand up for Hearts fans in the aftermath of the games there.

[Jammy T]

Given the circumstances I don't believe there is one set of fans in the world where some of them wouldn't have reacted. Honestly, do you? As a support, I thought they were amazingly restrained and should be applauded for that, rather than being tarred with the same brush as Hibs.

 

I would absolutely love Hibs to be drawn at Ibrox at the first opportunity in the LC next season, by the way.

I agree they were more restrained than I would have expected.

 

And I wouldn't tar them with the same brush, a slightly smaller one.

 

I also agree that every club would have had some fans that reacted. But unfortunately for you and others that want Rangers to get off Scot free being goaded isn't an excuse to go onto the pitch and lamp people.

 

any encroachment onto the pitch from any teams fans should end in punishment.

 

Less for Rangers on this occasion than Hibs.

[Bowmans_Boot]

I could be wrong but did AB not stick up for our fans after the game at ibrox?

 

"Both sets of fans immediately turned their frustrations on their rivals" - not really 100%, no. 

[Jammy T]

Yes she did. Having went to two games at Ibrox last season all I can say is that Rangers fans were absolutely horrendous. Was pelted with crap all game from the "family" stand. Didn't taunt or goad anyone, merely showed up to watch my team play theirs.

 

Went to Celtic Park this season and Easter Road and didn't feel as unsafe as I did at Ibrox. It was good AB did stand up for Hearts fans in the aftermath of the games there.

Doesn't fit the narrative arc some of our own fans are trying to create here.

[Darren]

Very good statement from Rangers

 

If by very good you mean utterly embarrassing. The line about Hibs fans "going over the top in their thousands" is particularly classy.

[Bowmans_Boot]

I agree they were more restrained than I would have expected.

 

And I wouldn't tar them with the same brush, a slightly smaller one.

 

I also agree that every club would have had some fans that reacted. But unfortunately for you and others that want Rangers to get off Scot free being goaded isn't an excuse to go onto the pitch and lamp people.

 

any encroachment onto the pitch from any teams fans should end in punishment.

 

Less for Rangers on this occasion than Hibs.

 

Which is why I said that I believed Rangers should receive a ?10,000 suspended fine.  That isn't "scot free". 

[Jammy T]

Which is why I said that I believed Rangers should receive a ?10,000 suspended fine. That isn't "scot free".

Rangers don't pay their fines anyway.

 

I'd say next home cup game behind closed doors would be punishment they couldn't squirm out of.

 

Hibs should be banned from the cup for a year, all costs and no prize money.

[Bowmans_Boot]

Doesn't fit the narrative arc some of our own fans are trying to create here.

 

What some of our fans are trying to say here is that Rangers were just as bad as Hibs, or that they somehow deserved it, or that they shouldn't make any comment about it due to them not having a 100% squeaky clean past. Hibs apologists/sympathisers/fans, "Edinburgh football fans" or just anti-Rangers, they would appear to have their own, clear agenda.

[Jammy T]

What some of our fans are trying to say here is that Rangers were just as bad as Hibs, or that they somehow deserved it, or that they shouldn't make any comment about it due to them not having a 100% squeaky clean past. Hibs apologists/sympathisers/fans, "Edinburgh football fans" or just anti-Rangers, they would appear to have their own, clear agenda.

Yep.

 

I'm not saying that. Not yesterday.

 

Rangers fans have previously proved their scum side. That's different.

 

Although the clubs official reaction is awful IMO. But again that's different.

[Auld Reekin']

What some of our fans are trying to say here is that Rangers were just as bad as Hibs, or that they somehow deserved it, or that they shouldn't make any comment about it due to them not having a 100% squeaky clean past. Hibs apologists/sympathisers/fans, "Edinburgh football fans" or just anti-Rangers, they would appear to have their own, clear agenda.

 

They certainly shouldn't have made that statement about it...