Analysis: Rangers’ stand against sectarianism means this tie can be remembered for right reasons
There is no question the club face a challenge as they do so. Inside only six minutes of last night’s tie, a – small, it should be noted – section of the support gave vent to “f*** the Pope and the Vatican”… as was heard in high-profile encounters last season. But the genuinely positive messages beamed on a video screening at half-time last night, in which chairman Dave King featured heavily, represent a serious stand being taken.
Progres Niederkorn from two years ago is remembered for all the wrong reasons. However, as Ibrox hosted European football for the first time in six years that night King appeared on the pitch and appealed to supporters to be “ambassadors” for their club and avoid any singing that would sully the club’s reputation.
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Hide AdHe more recently demonstrated he would not shirk from the sectarian issue by making an unequivocal apology to Steve Clarke after the then Kilmarnock manager called out Rangers supporters following their “Fenian bastard” chants at him during a Scottish Cup tie in February. In his video message last night, he revealed the Everywhere Everyone initiative had been a year in the planning.
Celtic’s pursuit of nine-in-a-row with all the froth and fury that will bring as Rangers attempt to stop them, coupled with the militant wings of the two clubs falling back on their base tribal instincts doesn’t bode well for the domestic campaign ahead. At least Rangers have set out unmistakably that they do not want to be chained, or defined, by religious bigotry.