NafisaRangers may face issues again as a provocative tifo revealed against Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday is confirmed to have overstepped boundaries.
The final Old Firm derby of the season concluded in a 1-1 draw, with Cyriel Dessers and Adam Idah scoring for their respective sides.
Although there was nothing at stake this time, as the Hoops have already secured the championship, the match was not lacking in significant controversies.
Supporters hurled multiple objects, including a glass bottle, onto the field during the game, as Celtic fans visited Ibrox for the first time in over two years.
Meanwhile, fans in the Copland Stand displayed a tifo featuring an image of Graeme Souness aiming a shotgun, accompanied by a message containing profanity.
Rangers spokesperson addresses Ibrox controversy:
Viljami Sinisalo was observed collecting objects near his goal during the 1-1 draw between Rangers and Celtic, while Neraysho Kasanwirjo had to pause his warm-up momentarily to remove the glass bottle that was tossed onto the pitch.
Rangers have now confirmed that they have initiated efforts to identify the individual responsible for throwing the bottle onto the field, with the ‘strongest possible action’ under consideration.
A spokesperson also conceded that the tifo unveiled before the match ‘crossed a line’, violating the confidence the club has placed in its supporters.
“We also acknowledge that the tifo displayed prior to kick-off crossed a line and was unacceptable”, a spokesperson said, as quoted by Rangers Review (4 May).
“Our approach to supporter displays has always been built on trust, with the responsibility placed on groups to exercise good judgment.”
Rangers may now be facing significant trouble, as it has not been long since they were sanctioned by UEFA for an offensive banner.
The Light Blues were issued a fine and a suspended partial stadium closure after their supporters displayed an anti-woke banner during the Europa League match against Fenerbahce in March.
They have already been cautioned that they will be required to close the Copland stand if a similar incident recurs within the next two years.
Ibrox tifo may put Gers in jeopardy:
Rangers have endured a disastrous season and are eagerly awaiting the campaign’s conclusion.
Thus, such contentious incidents do not benefit the Light Blues, especially as they are currently undergoing a takeover by a consortium involving 49ers Enterprises.
Patrick Stewart will be hoping that the controversial tifo and the glass bottle incident do not plunge the Gers into further difficulties.
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