Union Bears absent from Ibrox after dispute with Rangers over banners

Rangers fan group The Union Bears chose not to attend their Scottish Cup quarter-final win over Raith Rovers after the club refused to allow them to bring in a banner they have labelled 'anti-police'.

A corner of the ground was empty during their 3-0 victory that booked their place in the last four with Celtic and Inverness - with Falkirk and Ayr in action on Monday night.

Supporters group The Union Bears normally occupy that area, but chose not to watch the match because of the dispute.

The club and the Union Bears have both since released statements.

A Rangers spokesperson said: “Rangers refused to allow an offensive banner relating to the police service to be displayed at today’s match.

“The Union Bears elected to absent themselves from the stadium because the Club would not permit the offensive anti-police banner display.”

These claims were countered by The Union Bears who responded on Twitter.

They said: "Union Bears had planned to display various legitimate message banners at today’s match highlighting different issues surround our club and support.

"Prior to the match, Police Scotland and Rangers FC jointly removed these materials without our knowledge and blocked access to regular matchday materials.

"From Rangers FC, this is a clear breakdown of trust and an attempt to silence our groups valid concerns. As a consequence, we made they difficult decision to remove active support and not enter the ground as a a group.

"This attempt to suppress the feelings amongst the Rangers support will not be successful, and only stands to confirm the concerns that the fans old."

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