A section of Aberdeen fans have again shamed themselves and shown a desperate craving for relevance in their abuse directed toward Rangers-bound Scott Wright.
In a situation similar to the one that faced Ryan Jack prior to his move to Glasgow in 2017, it isn’t a surprise.
This time the vitriol and disgust seems to be a bit deeper. Maybe it is a symptom of the lockdown brought on my the pandemic or maybe it’s something else.
Earlier this season, Ross McCrorie made the reverse move from Rangers to Aberdeen.
Whilst most Rangers fans weren’t exactly happy at McCrorie moving to Aberdeen, there was an acceptance that it wasn’t quite working out at Ibrox and his time had come to move on to play football.
Well wishes weren’t exactly full of praise for his next chapter, fans on social media were mostly respectful of his contribution to Rangers and were hoping for personal success in his future, if not for Aberdeen.
The contrast with the Wright move is massive. Of course, players should expect to receive flak and criticism to an extent when moving clubs. Inside stadiums, this would usually be a bit more heated.
After the announcement last week of the pre-contract agreement between the player and Rangers, the knives were out, so to speak.
An ugly tirade of abuse followed on social media, backed up by some silly banners slating Wright and Rangers in Aberdeen.
Aberdeen fans’ response to Scott Wright signing a pre-contract with Rangers pic.twitter.com/O7HGt8X7KB
— Fitba Culture 🏴 (@fitbaculture) January 26, 2021
All this points to that desperation for a rivalry and relvance that is very much unrequited.
Sure, Rangers fans don’t like Aberdeen and there is ill-feeling there due to well documented issues down the years but so what, it’s only Aberdeen.
In their eyes, it’s like a player moving from Boca Juniors to River Plate, Man United to Liverpool or Feyenoord to Ajax, even Rangers to Celtic.
No, it’s nothing like that.
Aberdeen to Rangers is a massive step up in terms of quality on the pitch as well as the financial remuneration.
Sean Wallace from the Evening Express newspaper in Aberdeen got it spot on when he stated,
“Impending move to Rangers does not make it ok to aim online abuse at Aberdeen attacker Scott Wright”
In the article he continued,
“Some of the bitter bile I have read on social media from a minority of Dons fans directed at Wright is disgraceful.”
“All for leaving for another club under freedom of contract. That it is Rangers should not make it OK to direct online abuse at a player.”
“Let’s get this clear – neither Wright, nor Rangers, have done anything wrong.”
“He has not broken some moral code that “thou shalt not sign for Rangers”.”
“Football careers are short even if avoiding major injury, which is why players have to make the most of it both in terms of finance and potential trophy success available.”
“Rangers are the dominant team in Scotland and coasting to the Premiership title. Wright will get Champions League football next season.”
“If he moves now, he could also secure a Premiership winner’s medal if he plays enough games.”
“Add in higher wages and who can blame him for moving?”
“Any Dons fan who slates Wright for the move to Ibrox, but would leave their own place of work for better career opportunities and more money, is a hypocrite.”
The best outcome for all involved would be for a settlement to allow Scott Wright to move to Ibrox this month and for Aberdeen fans to concentrate on their team’s battle for a third place finish and perennial Scottish Cup disappointment.