RANGERS have been reportedly asked by the SPFL to explain how the controversial banner depicting Graeme Souness holding a gun was allowed into Ibrox for last week’s Old Firm derby.
The tifo which was unfurled by ultras ahead of kick-off showed the Rangers icon with a shotgun along with the words ‘Take Aim Against the Rebel Scum’.
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It was revealed this week that the banner – and the club’s response to it – dominated discussions at the club’s fan advisory board forum for around 90 minutes.
The club quickly condemned the display – describing it as “unacceptable” – with a statement which sparked criticism from Gers fans who claimed it was “perceived as being issued too quickly and in a reactionary manner”.
It was also claimed that many supporters believed the tifo was “edgy rather than offensive”.
Concerns were raised in relation to SPFL rules on unacceptable conduct regarding “threatening, abusive, or insulting displays”.
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The large display was seized by cops at half-time and was highlighted in the match delegate’s report.
Now Gers have been asked for comment on the display and to provide information on their banner protocol for when fans enter the stadium.
That’s according to the BBC – who claim league bosses have also launched a probe into the missiles which were lobbed onto the pitch during the game.
Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo hit out at fan behaviour during the derby as he claimed he was HIT by an object thrown by Rangers fans.
Rangers substitute Neraysho Kasanwirjo was spotted running on to the pitch to retrieve a Buckfast bottle seemingly launched into the goalie’s direction.
Sinisalo said: “I’ve seen some mention that there was a bottle thrown at me. It wasn’t just a bottle by the way.
“First of all I was hit with something. Not in my upper body, somewhere in my lower leg.
“It wasn’t just a bottle… there were lighters, vapes, coins, mugs, all sorts flying.
“But listen when you think of it, and let’s say that glass bottle that was on the pitch hits me or hits someone else.
“What if it hits you in the eye? And you can’t play football after that. What happens then?
“These are the questions that we need answers for. I know it is not the first time it has happened.
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“I was there when Arne was hit with something, Greg has been hit, Joe Hart has been hit, staff members have been hit.
“So it is not the first time it has happened. you’re hoping they will stop it eventually. Try not to give them anything back.
“It is not nice but you try to focus in the game. It is such an important game, it’s such an important game, there’s so much at stake every time you play a game like that.
“You can’t let it affect you, because that is what the people want, they want it to affect you.
“There’s not many jobs you get bottles thrown at you.
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“I don’t know how people identify who it was, because there were a lot of people throwing them, I’m talking 30/40 objects that were on the pitch.
“I can’t say what should be done, it is up to the authorities and the people at the club there.”
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