Rangers ‘unequivocally condemn’ Old Firm fan disorder as SFA launch independent review

Rangers say “all parties must be prepared to have their actions and decision-making subjected to proper scrutiny”.

They have also called for the review to be “thorough and wide-ranging” and for it to “include the broader context” around the match, including initial decisions on ticket allocation through to the post-match incidents.

The Ibrox club’s statement adds: “The disorder that occurred on Sunday was unacceptable and we condemn it unequivocally. Safety must always come first in football, for supporters, players and everyone working in and around the game.

“There are now a number of serious issues which require proper examination. For that reason, we agree that there should be a fully independent review into the events surrounding the match.”

Rangers have vowed to represent the club and their supporters “robustly” but say they will take action – “including the potential withdrawal of ticketing privileges and stadium bans” – against anyone identified and convicted.

The Govan club also say they are “appalled” to discover graffiti mocking the Ibrox disaster, which claimed the lives of 66 supporters in January 1971.

They add: “To desecrate their memory is vile. It is cowardly. It is shameful. This is not football rivalry and it is not banter. It is the abuse of a tragedy that claimed 66 lives.”