soulrebel83 said:
Perhaps if the type of strong action was taken which would deter the Rangers fans who indulge in this sectarian singing, but who would think twice about doing so if it brought genuine repercussions, it would then force those people into this "self policing" policy that they've been publicising against the others who don't give a damn either way, as it certainly didn't seem to be much in action today.
Either that or the only other alternative seems to be banning all Rangers fans from travelling to away grounds for the foreseeable future.
I doubt very much deducting points is going to change the attitudes of the people singing the songs going by what I have read on Rangers forums over the years. If anything it will just re-enforce their resolve. To me they couldn't care less what is done to the club and other fans as they believe they have a cause to protect.
Self policing is not the answer either despite the club's attempts at pushing that. The majority of these guys are usually in groups and more often than not quite agressive. To most, including myself, it would be more hassle than it's worth to challenge them. There is no way I'm going to risk having my face rearranged for the sake of a football team.
They will continue regardless and the only way to stop them is to eject them. Banning all Rangers fans from away grounds could come in to play but I have my doubts whether the authorities would endorse that as they'd get a backlash from all the other clubs, Celtic apart, who would miss out on revenue. It's amazing how people will support a cause till it hits them in the pocket.
I agree with what TB said. There are plenty of candidates to be hauled over the coals but Rangers seem to be the only ones that are getting the attention. As TB also said there seems to be no clear guidelines as to what is apparently offensive.
It reminds me a bit of the Big Brother racism row which in my opinion involved alot of people whipping one scapegoat just to make themselves feel good by being on the righteous side. Not for a moment am I saying the singing is right because personally I think it is wrong. Some of the justifications I have heard and read just drive me up the wall like there is nothing wrong with singing about the UVF as they fought at the Somme. We know why they are singing about this group and it has nothing to do with the war. I've even seen someone suggesting that Rangers should pull players from the national squad if they are penalised domestically- obviously these are the people who do not know what an honour it would be for most Scots to represent their country on any front.
I think it's all a bunch a bollocks. It's suits in Scotland trying to throw their weight about for a pat on the head from UEFA. I know it is enforced but UEFA are not making them pick on one club- which without being paranoid is a fact which cannot be denied and I doubt anyone would believe Rangers are the only club with a problem. This is a brownie points scoring exercise which is not going to expand small minds and the only losers will be the real supporters.
