A Rangers supporter has expressed his disappointment on Twitter after being handed an indefinite ban for invading the pitch against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park back in August.
Zander Gaillie took to Twitter to complain after being banned for what he describes as “celebrating with ur players for a last-minute winner”. Rangers have viewed it as a “breach” of ground rules and regulations.
As a result, Zander has been banned from Ibrox indefinitely with his season ticket revoked and the club will only reconsider their decision after criminal proceedings concerning Zander’s role in the incident at Rugby Park have “been dealt with”.
The ban and any subsequent bans handed out by Rangers after the incidents at Rugby Park send a strong message by the club.
Rangers fans came under heavy fire during the match for running on to the pitch as Connor Goldson headed a last-minute winner against Kilmarnock to win 2-1.
Fans jumping on top of a disabled shelter then caused its roof to cave in, potentially endangering the lives of those supporters housed in the section, even if this was an accident.
Incidents such as this go against the rules and regulations agreed to as part of purchasing the ticket.
The Ibrox club will also be very aware of the negative PR all of this brought in only the first game of the season.
On the Twitter thread where Zander posted the letter – which was sent from Rangers Safety Officer David Martin – fans are largely split over the decision to hand the ban out.
Whilst most overwhelmingly feel sympathy for Zander, some have pointed to the law and others to the culture of invading the pitch.
Some fans feel that the club has gone too far and ought to be offering more protection to the fans, whilst others have challenged the decision.
It’s clear that Rangers fans are largely split on this move and you can’t help but feel this situation is being used as an example to get a point across to fans.
https://twitter.com/RangersGoaIs/status/1158028037922992128
Zander faces a nervous wait to see if he will ever be allowed back to Ibrox to follow Rangers with criminal proceedings ongoing, and you’ve got to hope the decision is eventually reversed.
But from a Rangers point of view, their position is very clear. Can the club afford to take risks where someone could’ve potentially got seriously hurt?
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