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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Rangers outline 'formal approval' plan for future TIFOs

Rangers have outlined their proposal for 'formal approval' in relation to future TIFO displays at Ibrox

It comes after Sunday's banner organised by the Union Bears, which depictured Graeme Souness holding a shotgun, alongside the words: 'Take aim at the rebel scum'.

In the aftermath of the 1-1 draw against Celtic, the club swiftly condemned the banner. 

A 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."

This led to discontent among the Rangers supporters, with the consensus that the club were hasty in their decision to react to the message on display during the derby.

Key club chiefs have since engaged with supporters at Tuesday's meeting with Rangers' fan advisory board. 

And it was here that the likes of CEO Patrick Stewart and others from the club outlined plans for future TIFOs to be 'pre-approved'.

The club revealed that they had no idea as to the contents of Sunday's banner, however, they did help to facilitate the display for logistical reasons.

However, the fan board offered push-back on this idea, as that would involve having to consistently engage with the organisers of such displays, usually, the Union Bears. 

The section of the minutes from the meeting released this evening reads: "The club's decision to allow fan groups full discretion over tifo content without prior approval has now been recognised as placing both the club and fan groups in a challenging situation. 


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"The club acknowledges that it is not right to abdicate judgement on matters of regulatory compliance and reputation management to fan groups. 

"The club suggested a formal approval process for future club-facilitated fan displays will be required to safeguard both fans and the club.

"However, the FAB as a group could not agree to this as it would require collaboration and discussion with the fan groups who create the tifos. 

"The club acknowledged this and will follow up with those groups separately."

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