There has been plenty said today following reports that FARE will be in attendance at the Rangers v PSV Champions League qualifier.
Various sources close to Ibrox commented on the matter earlier on Tuesday.
Been informed there will be a FARE rep at tonight’s game. It’s thought if they have any evidence of sectarian singing, it’s almost a guarantee there will be a partial or full stadium closure.
— Derek Clark (@derekclarksport) August 16, 2022
Football Against Racism in Europe is an organisation that seeks to eradicate prejudice in the game and particularly in the stands. Its self-stated purpose is that it “combats all forms of discrimination, including racism, far-right nationalism, sexism, trans- and homophobia and discrimination against disabled people.”
There have been previous incidents involving Rangers and the involvement of FARE going back years, in their monitoring/lobbying regarding behaviour around football games.
Although they no longer have an official relationship with UEFA, they do still attend club and international games, sending reports and recommendations to the governing body based on what they highlight.
There is a perception amongst Rangers supporters that the club is unfairly targeted by FARE and that is partly fuelled by a widely reported incident back in 2019 when it retweeted a Celtic fan’s post referring to Rangers fans as ‘the manky mob’ and ‘deluded ‘c****’.
The organisation had to issue an apology to Rangers on that matter and given that anti-discrimination is its goal, there was clearly something very wrong regarding that RT.
The initial post featured a historic video during the Graeme Souness’ era of players in the dressing room singing ‘The Billy Boys’.
It is all the more remarkable considering the exemplary behaviour of many tens of thousands of Rangers fans in Seville for the Europa League Final in May, as well as the games leading up to that showpiece.
Sectarian singing has largely been eradicated from the stands in recent times and whilst the situation is not perfect, neither is the political and social backdrop in Scotland, the society of which Rangers and the fans are part of, nor is the behaviour and conduct of rival club’s fans but predictably when it comes to European football, the focus of FARE comes on Ibrox, again and again.
Why are they not working with the club and fans groups to seek progress on certain matters and what are they doing to be part of the solution?
FARE were asked for more info and context, including their concerns regarding their observer visit to Ibrox for the big game against PSV but at the time of publication there has been no response.
Rangers have also contacted fan reps regarding the matter.
If this ‘FARE’ lot have NO longer an official relationship with UEFA, WHY LET THEM INTO Ibrox Stadium ?
Hi BH, my understanding is that Rangers are effectively instructed by UEFA to allow FARE’s observer to conduct their report inside the stadium, despite the lack of a working contract.
Simple cut out the racism!
If only it was as ‘simple’ as that, Brian.