The Union Bears unfurled a banner against St. Mirren in response to Rangers’ decision to punish the group for a sectarian singing ban, and it’s split a lot of fans.
For some, the Union Bears’ driving role in singing songs and creating an atmosphere at the ground was central to the club being sanctioned by UEFA for the singing against St. Joseph’s in July [Rangers.co.uk].
To make it worse the change is encompassed by one that includes the term “racism”.
https://twitter.com/Gers1961/status/1165599305639649280
For others, the group have been unfairly vilified and made out to be scapegoats for the entire thing.
Two sections have also been closed in the Club Deck with Rangers relocating some of those affected.
To some, the group are just a small part of the issue of sectarian chanting at the club and any songs against St. Joseph’s also came from other sections.
The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.
But after the sanction, the fans group should really be seeking to part of the solution and not the problem.
Not to mention the fact there are plenty of voices and detractors desperate to bring the club down without infighting amongst the support.
Their statement – whilst they’re well with their rights to argue the point – just adds fuel to the fire.
https://twitter.com/UnionBears/status/1165680623786311685
The banner they unveiled against St. Mirren – as much as they’ve got the right to fight their corner for a lot of criticism the group have been receiving – also misses the point.
For a group that wants rewards from the club like standing sections and greater negotiation over Ibrox’s future, they’re not going about it the right way.
They’re not the sole cause, instigator or root of the issue with sectarian chanting at matches. They’re just part of a wider issue.
But in their role, they can help to properly combat the problem at Rangers. They can choose which songs to sing and how to lead the crowd.
If they do so in line with the vision of the club, they’ll certainly be one step closer to receiving the rewards that they want as part of their commitment and “loyalty” to Rangers.
Because – and this is the most important part – there is only one way saying banned words, cursing the pope, or indulging in other unacceptable behaviour ends.
And it’s not a good outcome for the Union Bears, the club, or any other supporter.
