Rangers 'exploring all options' for Ibrox disaster landmark anniversary service against Celtic

Rangers hope to hold additional commemoration events to mark half a century since the Ibrox disaster of 1971 when Celtic kick off the new year’s fixtures.

The John Greig statue was erected in memory of the 66 fans who lost their lives in the Ibrox Disaster, 1971. (Picture: SNS Group Gary Hutchison)

The Ibrox club annually honour the 66 supporters who died in the 1971 disaster, as well as those at earlier incidents at the ground, with a minute’s silence and floral wreath laying at the John Greig statue at the east corner of the main stand.

However this year, to mark the 50th anniversary, additional tributes – including a service and other options – are being investigated by the club in line with current covid restrictions.

Rangers are also welcoming input from families affected by the tragedy, where many more were injured, via a dedicated email address. The club has invited those with personal connection to the anniversary to email [email protected]; to call [phone] or write to Always Remembered, Ibrox Stadium, 150 Edmiston Drive, G51 2XD.

The statue's tribute (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

A statement on the Rangers website added: “It is incredibly important that we involve and reflect the wishes of families who lost loved ones on that day which is why we have created a dedicated channel of communication for people to use. All forms of contact will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and discretion.”

The next Old Firm game, the second of the season, is likely to be held behind closed-doors and falls on the anniversary date itself with Celtic visiting Ibrox as they did 50 years before. At it’s time, the Ibrox Disaster of January 2, 1971 was the worst in British sport and is marked by the memorial of then captain John Greig which stands outside the stadium on Edmiston Drive.