A Scottish born, British Muslim Rangers fan has made a passionate defence of the Rangers support and his lived experience as a match going fan.
Writing on followfollow.com and on Twitter – @ankaragroup – a heartfelt and emotional perspective is offered to counter the tirade of negativity and bad publicity against Rangers and the fans, that has been prevalent in the mainstream press since the weekend.
Yes, a few mindless morons shamed themselves, the name of Rangers and Glasgow on Saturday but the vast majority did not.
Those who are regulars at Ibrox, at away games and on trips to Europe know the true character of the support and what goes on.
Here we have an honest, insightful account of real lived experience as a Rangers fan of a minority background:
“I will continue to fight (not physically) against anyone who tries to tarnish our clubs name and the last couple of days the predictable backlash has started.”
“I have put up a few similar posts on here and Twitter in the past, but unfortunately feel the need to do so again. I’ve been a member on here (FF) since the old days so a lot of posters will know who I am as I’ve made a lot of friends on here and Twitter.”
“I’ve been a Rangers season ticket holder for over 30 years. I go every week and have followed the club away and abroad. Its pretty obvious what I am, especially having a beard and dark skin.”
“I have never had any issues or heard any racist abuse.”
“I would be lying if I said we don’t have a small minority of idiots who when they have too much to drink make an arse of themselves, but I honestly believe that is a society problem.”
“The last couple of days I’ve saw some videos of ‘EDL Abdul’ starting a certain song and folk join in.”
“He needs to be ignored and not used as some celebrity, he clearly needs professional help. No normal 40 year old hangs about streets like that and mingles with folk singing stupid songs.”
“People that sing the song need to bear in mind we have other Pakistani fans (more than i thought since joining Twitter) and when people sing that song it kinda makes you feel like you are kinda worthless.”
“Those singing tend to be younger and might think its a laugh. Imagine a Pakistani Rangers fan is walking past with their son and hears that being sung?”
“I genuinely don’t think when people sing the song they are intentionally being racist, its more stupidity and immaturity than anything.”
“Rangers as a football club shouldn’t be taking responsibility for the actions of our fans. The club have really upped their game with Everyone, Anyone (the club’s official diversity and equality initiative), banning the likes of Abdul from Ibrox, community work, they couldn’t do more to be honest.”
“As I said above, I’m not having Rangers taking this flack or my fellow Rangers fans being tarnished due to 1 idiot and a handful of cheerleaders.”
“Other videos you will see a mixture of Rangers fans in George square, Asian, Black, White and many other backgrounds all mixing and having a good time.”
“I have plenty of experience of being tarnished with the same brush when any terrorist attacks happens so know how it feels, I wont sit back quietly when I see it happening to other people.
“I have grew up in a Rangers family, Rangers friends, school, work colleagues and even going abroad to visit a supporters club.”
“The only thing that has ever mattered is being a Rangers fan. So the next time Humza or any SNP politician takes a dig remember there are British Muslim Rangers fans on twitter who will stand up to them and call them out for what they are.”
A powerful account which provides some nuance and another perspective to the debate.
Will others listen or do they even want to?