SNS GroupJohn Swinney has condemned an “unacceptable” display by Rangers fans who unveiled a giant image of Graeme Souness holding a shotgun above provocative wording.
The First Minister said football clubs should deal with such incidents after Police Scotland launched an enquiry into the display.
Before Sunday’s Old Firm game, a tifo was revealed in the Copland Stand at Ibrox which depicted former player and manager Souness holding a double-barrelled shotgun, with the words “Take aim against the rebel scum” underneath.
The picture of Souness is from a Getty Images photoshoot before the World Cup match between Scotland and New Zealand in 1982.
The display was opposite the section holding the 2,100 travelling Celtic fans in what is only the second Old Firm match in recent years to have an away support.
Police also said enquiries are ongoing after a glass bottle was thrown into Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo’s penalty area in the second half of the 1-1 draw.
On Monday, Swinney said it is “vital” to have respectful behaviour at matches and the Government would “reflect” on the display.
When asked by STV News about the banner at Ibrox, the First Minister said: “There’s been some behaviour at football matches over the weekend by a minority – it’s a real shame.
He added: “That has to be followed by the clubs involved. If there are issues that require the involvement of the police then the police have to be involved in these issues.”
“Obviously there was a banner displayed which was unacceptable at the weekend.
“These issues have to be addressed by the clubs themselves but also by the police if they judge it appropriate to do so. And that judgment fundamentally rests with the police in that respect.”
Asked about the image, he said: “I don’t think that was an appropriate image. But it’s for the club to reflect on that issue, to address any issues and for the police to make their judgment about that matter as well.”
Swinney said that despite calls from the drinks industry, he is not planning to change the Government’s position on the alcohol ban at football matches.
He said: “I’ve made clear that I don’t propose to change the approach we take on the alcohol ban at football.”
SNS GroupRangers released a statement at the weekend, condemning the bottle-throwing and making clear the club did not approve of the image.
It said: “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 (visual display by fans) 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 judgment.
“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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