May 7 – The bitter rivalry between Rangers and Celtic – Scotland’s most explosive football feud and deeply entrenched in religious and political divisions – has once again crossed the line of acceptability after Rangers supporters displayed a controversial tifo that drew condemnation from Scotland’s highest office.
The banner in question, unfurled in the Copland Stand ahead of Sunday’s fiercely contested 1-1 draw at Ibrox, depicted former Rangers manager Graeme Souness wielding a double-barreled shotgun alongside the inflammatory text ‘Take aim against the rebel scum’ – a thinly veiled reference to Celtic’s Catholic and Irish republican associations that has simmered beneath the Old Firm rivalry for generations.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney quickly condemned the display, stating it was “vital” to maintain respectful behavior at matches. “Obviously there was a banner displayed which was unacceptable at the weekend. I don’t think that was an appropriate image,” Swinney said. “It’s for the club to reflect on that issue, to address any issues and for the police to make their judgment about that matter as well.”
The incident marks another chapter in a rivalry that has often spilled beyond football into sectarian tension. While the ‘Protestant blue’ of Rangers and the ‘Catholic green’ of Celtic have produced some of British football’s most passionate encounters, the fixture has also been marred by violence, religious hatred, and political symbolism throughout its history.
Rangers issued a post-match statement acknowledging the display had “crossed a line”, while also condemning a separate incident involving a bottle-throwing fan.
“Our approach to supporter displays has always been built on trust, with the responsibility placed on groups to exercise good judgment,” the club stated. “We will reflect on how these displays are managed and engage with supporter groups to ensure the right balance of trust, responsibility and oversight is maintained moving forward.”
For a rivalry that once saw Rangers maintain an unwritten policy against signing Catholic players until 1989, this latest controversy serves as a reminder that despite progress, the Old Firm’s darker undertones continue to simmer beneath Scotland’s most famous sporting contest.
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