Rangers have sent a timely reminder of the Everyone, Anyone diversity and inclusion campaign to supporters as the club looks ahead to their UEFA Europa League match with Young Boys.
The promotion of the campaign comes after the controversy involving FARE and an unacceptable communication concerning Rangers fans.
Rangers shareholder Club 1872 [Club 1872] revealed earlier that Rangers are determined to seek further explanation for the tweet and the club has now backed that up in a statement.
But the communication from Rangers is also further reiteration that unacceptable behaviour has no place at Ibrox and will only hamper the club’s progress and image.
“Once again the spotlight will fall on Rangers and our supporters as Steven Gerrard’s players attempt to secure a place in the knock-out stages of the Europa League,” reads the Rangers statement.
“We require only a draw tonight against Young Boys but the team is determined to go for a win and will need all Rangers fans in the stadium to play their parts to the full.
“It is imperative we highlight once again why this is such a special club, a club open to all by supporting the team in the correct manner.
“We know our behaviour will be monitored and so we must not give observers any cause to file negative reports.
“Rangers has approached both UEFA and FARE seeking explanations for the extremely offensive Tweet which appeared on FARE’s Twitter feed and it is vital all supporters showcase the Club in a positive light.
“This means offensive singing and chanting and the use of flares must be eliminated if we are to avoid further and more severe sanctions than those which have already been imposed.
“Rangers Football Club has been widely praised for its ground-breaking diversity and inclusion campaign ‘Everyone Anyone’ and it is crucial all supporters remember there is no place in football for discriminatory behaviour of any kind.
“If we stand together and support our team passionately, but in the correct way the spotlight will fall on others. Let’s prove once again why our club is so special.”
Rangers supporters have a responsibility to club and fellow fans
UEFA supported group FARE have reported Rangers in every single European match for the last few years [Four Lads] and questions are now being raised over their suitability to judge the club fairly.
In two of those matches, Rangers fans were adjudged to be guilty of unacceptable sectarian singing and the club was punished through partial ground closures.
If Rangers supporters are found guilty again then the club could face a full stadium closure.
Regardless of the ongoing scandal concerning FARE and the wider discussion on their relationship/attitude towards Rangers, fans must not miss the point.
Unacceptable behaviour and singing damages the reputation of the club and fails to highlight the immense diversity amongst our support.
The strides taken by the club are commendable and it is the duty of every single Rangers fan to maintain our positive European and global reputation.
Not just in the name of themselves, but also the club and fellow supporters.
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