Amid the fallout of the UEFA charges levelled at Rangers, it’s been incredibly encouraging how outspoken supporters have been about eradicating sectarian singing from the stands at Ibrox.
But the club continues to feel the brunt of the sanctions.
Just as the club were recovering from the 3000-seat partial stadium closure against Legia Warsaw [Rangers.co.uk], there’s set to be another in our first European match against Feyenoord.
Whilst Rangers continue to be outspoken about the issue – as do some fans – the UEFA charges are a superb opportunity for the support to reclaim the club’s anthem Follow, Follow.
For far too long this chant – based on revivalist hymn Follow On – has been tarnished by sectarian add-ons and unnecessary references to the troubles in Northern Ireland.
“Everywhere, anywhere” has become “up the Falls, Derry’s Walls” whilst “Aberdeen and back again” has been replaced with the kind of chant which Rangers are adamant has no place at Ibrox.
When the anthem – and it is a unique, creative anthem in the arena of world football – is being belted out there’s a real split in the support in how it should be sung.
By following the club’s lead and reclaiming this song it can help improve and establish the club’s image back on the European scene.
In a rampant Ibrox atmosphere following Alfredo Morelos’ late Rangers goal, it was superb to hear it belted out the way it was first intended.
