Rangers Souness banner "unacceptable" says Swinney

The First Minister has condemned an “unacceptable” display by Rangers fans during Sunday’s Old Firm match at Ibrox, where a banner of Graeme Souness holding a gun was unveiled.

John Swinney said football clubs should deal with such incidents with assistance from the police where necessary.

Just before kick-off in the Scottish Premiership match against Celtic, a display was revealed in the Copland Stand depicting former Rangers player and manager Graeme Souness holding a double-barrelled shotgun with the words “take aim against the rebel scum” underneath.

Several items, including a glass bottle, were also thrown into Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo's penalty area in the second half of the 1-1 draw.

"Unacceptable"

Speaking in Edinburgh on Monday, Mr Swinney told journalists it is "vital" to have respectful behaviour at matches and the Government would "reflect" on the display.

He said: "That has to be followed by the clubs involved.

“If there are issues that require the involvement of the police then the police have to be involved in these issues."

Mr Swinney continued: "Obviously there was a banner displayed which was unacceptable at the weekend.

"These issues have to be addressed by the clubs themselves but also by the police if they judge it appropriate to do so.

"And that judgment fundamentally rests with the police in that respect."

"I don't think it was an appropriate image"

Asked about the image, he said: "I don't think that was an appropriate image. But it's for the club to reflect on that issue, to address any issues and for the police to make their judgment about that matter as well."

The First Minister was speaking at the opening of a new Heineken office in Edinburgh where, despite calls from the drinks industry, he said he is not planning to change the Government’s position on the alcohol ban at matches.

He said: “I've made clear that I don't propose to change the approach we take on the alcohol ban at football."

Rangers released a statement at the weekend, condemning the bottle-throwing and making clear the club did not approve of the image.

It said: "Rangers Football Club condemns the actions of the individual who threw a bottle during today's match. This behaviour has no place at our stadium.

"I don't propose to change the approach we take on the alcohol ban"

"Steps have already been taken to identify the person responsible, and the club will take the strongest possible action once their identity is confirmed.

"We also acknowledge that the tifo (visual display by fans) 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."

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