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As a lifelong Rangers fan, here is exactly what I was ashamed of on Saturday

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Image for As a lifelong Rangers fan, here is exactly what I was ashamed of on Saturday

Absolutely nothing.

Having spent the weekend in Glasgow, taking in the fan march to George Square and witnessing much of what was going on, I feel that I can offer some balance on the scenes that unfolded.

I come from a Rangers background, so I am not objective and don’t claim to be.

However, I like to think that I am a reasonable type even if there is an element of bias to my perception.

Today, I posed some thoughts on Twitter as well as collating the content for other social media as posted below.

Rangers are being vilified as the pantomime baddie, but what is it that the club is supposed to do, to control thousands of people outside its remit?

It all comes down to personal responsibility – whilst the vast majority conducted themselves as normal, ordinary folk, a small minority disgraced themselves holding a mirror up to the failings of our soceity and our political guardians who oversee the operation of the country and its products.

Having been a fan all my life, like many others, having had a season ticket since the age of 17, travelled to countless games including European aways, I generally know what goes on and can guage the behaviour of the Rangers support.

Perfect in behaviour and conduct? Far from it, to pretend otherwise would be foolish.

Just like in Manchester in 2008, anyone who wanted to be ‘involved’ at the weekend from Glasgow and Scotland could have been.

Some deplorable scenes were evident at George Square on Saturday, such as a vicious group fight, with bottles used as weapons – this simply doesn’t happen in the regular course of Rangers games, at home, away and abroad.

That is an inconvenient truth for some.

If you think I’m going to be faux offended and apologetic as a Rangers fan, that some people can behave like that under the influence of substances or not, you would be sadly mistaken.

I would rather it didn’t happen of course, it shames the club by association and is just generally depressing.

Questions can rightly be asked about ‘bringing people on to the streets’ but with that has to come honesty, transparency and good faith. The same applies to tribalism, sectarianism, consumption, order, respect, impact and the pandemic.

The emergency and support services were put on the front line again and to those people, I offer my full support in having to deal with people who were bang out of order.

I’m just another voice, another person from a Rangers perspective. However, if we don’t tell our own story and own version of events, others will, gladly.

– A lot of predictable nonsense, bullshit and hypocrisy followed what happened on Saturday. From hurting Celtic fans to dishonest, opportunistic politicians, to moral crusaders. A minority of brain dead fans embarrassed themselves and highlighted societal failings.

– Did it ruin my day, absolutely not. Did I not like some of what I seen and heard? Most definitely. Often it comes down to basic respect. Broken glass in a confined area to scorch marks from smokes around the John Greig statue.

– As I was leaving Glasgow yesterday, there was a mass rally showing support and solidarity for Palestine. Apparently, Covid couldn’t make it as it was out all day at George Square 24 hours prior. The SNPs conscience was absent too.

– I deplore whataboutery but I must indulge. If Celtic had achieved their fabled ten, what a party that would have been and rightly so. If Scotland beat England and perform well in the Euros, would there be similar scenes to Saturday? Would there be the same reaction?

– You can be a Rangers fan and believe in the concept of independence however having the best interests of Rangers at heart is not compatible with supporting the SNP.

– Growing up in Belfast and still today, we live with the scars of sectarianism, division, zero sum politics and othering. Glasgow, my home from home, the city I love is heading in that direction to an extent.

– On the march on Saturday, there were many many potholes to navigate as well as overflowing sewage on Govan Road. The stench and mess was still pouring onto the road the next day. Another basic failure of authority in public service exemplied, more sleeping at the wheel.

– I’m not naive. The Rangers fanbase has its issues, much like the society it is part of. There’s a discussion to be had, but not in the face of lies, hostility and deceit.

– Saturday’s celebrations were 10 years in the making and a certainty since March. A proactive approach could have seen George Square untouched and provisions made, elsewhere, but that would not have made for political capital.

– My thoughts go out to police, ambulance staff and other key workers caught in the crossfire. Some of the scenes were disgusting and shouldn’t be tolerated. The clean-up has happened but much of the proverbial can will be kicked down the street.

– It’s Monday, Rangers are Champions, #55 has landed and there is closure on the pain of the last decade. A new chapter begins at Ibrox, enjoy the moment, this is our time, live it up!

Graeme Hanna
@graeme818

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