The ultras group made headlines during Sunday’s 1-1 derby day at Ibrox by unfurling the provocative banner before kick-off
14:40, 05 May 2025Updated 15:10, 05 May 2025
The Union Bears have doubled down on their controversial Old Firm display by launching T-SHIRTS of the Graeme Souness-inspired tifo.
The Gers ultras unveiled a huge banner in the Copland Stand featuring a famous photo of Ibrox legend Souness holding a double-barrelled shotgun in the direction of the Celtic fans with the words “take aim against the rebel scum”.
The tifo angered Rangers chiefs who slammed their own fans for the “unacceptable” display which “crossed a line” as they vowed to review future banners.
The Union Bears tifo
Police Scotland have since seized the banner, which stretched across two tiers, after launching an investigation into the display. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the banner and enquiries are ongoing.”
And in a move that will further anger its critics – including Rangers themselves – the Union Bears have mocked the mass outrage by releasing the total “bill” and encouraged fellow supporters to donate towards future displays.
Posting a graphic on X, it read: “Sheets – £1524. Paint – £1733. Fabric – £1016. Additional costs – £1029. National meltdown – Priceless. Total – £5302.”
Rangers and Celtic played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday
The group – who moved sections from the Broomloan to the Copland Stand last summer – are also looking to cash in by creating £20 t-shirts that can be pre-ordered now.
The latest stunt is unlikely to go down well with the Ibrox board, who are also on the hunt for the supporter responsible for throwing a bottle on the pitch.
A club statement on Sunday night read: “Rangers Football Club condemns the actions of the individual who threw a bottle during today’s match.
“This behaviour has no place at our stadium. Steps have already been taken to identify the person responsible, and the club will take the strongest possible action once their identity is confirmed.
“We also acknowledge that the tifo displayed prior to kick-off crossed a line and was unacceptable. Our approach to supporter displays has always been built on trust, with the responsibility placed on groups to exercise good judgement.
“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.
“Rangers is proud of its passionate fanbase, and we all share a duty to protect the standards and reputation of our club.”
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