Rangers have explained the reasons behind their controversial TIFO statement following last weekend's 1-1 draw against Celtic.
The club were heavily criticised by their own fans after they swiftly condemned the display, organised by the Union Bears, which was held aloft as the teams emerged from the tunnel last Sunday.
An image of club legend Graeme Souness holding a shotgun was accompanied by a message, which read: 'Take aim at the rebel scum'.
A club spokesperson said: "We also acknowledge that the tifo displayed prior to kick-off crossed a line and was unacceptable.
"Our approach to supporter displays has always been built on trust, with the responsibility placed on groups to exercise good judgment.
"We will reflect on how these displays are managed and engage with supporter groups to ensure the right balance of trust, responsibility and oversight is maintained moving forward.
"Rangers is proud of its passionate fanbase, and we all share a duty to protect the standards and reputation of our club."
Now, having met with Rangers' fan advisory board earlier this week, club chiefs have detailed why they took such action in the aftermath of the incident.
Key members of the club's hierarchy, such as CEO Patrick Stewart and chief of communications Greig Mailer, took part in the discussions on Tuesday evening.
Minutes of the meeting have now been published by the fan board.
Within this, the club refutes the notion that they were 'knee-jerk' in their approach to reacting to the TIFO - now in the hands of Police Scotland - with their statement.
Read more:
-
Michael Essien thrilled to receive Rangers gift as Gers star spoils Ghana legend
-
Rangers' Raskin named alongside EPL duo as Belgium boss wins a watch
Another key takeaway from the meeting was that the club did not have prior approval as to the contents of the banner.
"The strength of feeling among the fanbase on the issue is very strong in terms of the club's handling of the situation and this was echoed by the FAB and firmly conveyed," the opening section of the meeting minutes read.
"The club's statement was perceived as being issued too quickly and in a reactionary manner.
"There is a recurring frustration that while the club acts quickly to condemn its own fans, it does not consistently defend our own supporters when they are the target of provocative or offensive actions by others."
The minutes can be read in full HERE.
