Outrage over Rangers’ tifo as SPFL and board condemns display | OneFootball

The recent uproar over Rangers’ tifo display during the Old Firm clash against Celtic—depicting former manager Graeme Souness holding a shotgun with the caption “Take Aim Against The Rebel Scum”—has reignited discussions about double standards in Scottish football. While the display was undeniably provocative and has been condemned by Rangers themselves as “unacceptable” , the intensity of the backlash highlights a recurring inconsistency in how fan behavior is scrutinized across clubs.

Celtic supporters have, on multiple occasions, unveiled banners and displays that many consider politically charged or offensive. Notably, the Green Brigade faced criticism for a display honoring Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane, a convicted IRA bomber, during a match against Aberdeen . Additionally, tensions escalated when the group accused the Celtic board of “appeasing loyalists and Zionists” after a tifo ban was imposed .

Despite these incidents, the media and governing bodies often respond with less fervor compared to the swift condemnations directed at Rangers. This disparity suggests a bias in the enforcement of standards, where similar actions by different fan bases receive unequal scrutiny.

The term “rebel scum” used in the Rangers tifo, while inflammatory, mirrors the kind of language and symbolism that has been tolerated or overlooked when emanating from other quarters. The selective outrage not only undermines efforts to address sectarianism and offensive behavior uniformly but also fuels perceptions of institutional bias within Scottish football.

For meaningful progress, it’s imperative that all clubs and their supporters are held to consistent standards. Selective enforcement erodes trust and hampers initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and respectful football culture in Scotland.