It wasn't a minority of Rangers fans who trashed Manchester last week. It was
the jocks, the Scots, the “Glaswegian scum.” That is the view of many people
who witnessed the thuggery at first hand.
Let's be honest: this is a public relations disaster for our country and its
biggest city. The politicians and journalists who blamed the authorities,
the police and some “isolated trouble-makers” should consider that.
If all of Scotland is not to suffer, they need to admit that Rangers have a
specific problem and the dreadful scenes were not entirely unexpected. If
it's a minority, it's a significant one that reflects the general scent of
sectarian nastiness that clings to the club, despite the best efforts of its
chairman, directors and decent supporters.
This is a Rangers problem, not a Scottish problem, nor even an Old Firm
problem. The Tartan Army has built a global reputation for its sense of fair
play and fun. Five years ago, 80,000 Celtic fans went without tickets to
Seville, a far smaller city than Manchester. They left with an open letter
of thanks from the mayor and later collected a good behaviour award from
Fifa.
These are mere technicalities to many of the 314 readers who posted comments
on the Manchester Evening News website, deploring not just the rioters, but
the “drunken Scots” generally. Vanessa was one contributor who felt
intimidated as she walked home through a city centre strewn with cans and
faeces because public transport was cancelled. She wrote: “I heard people
singing ‘Manchester is a shit-hole'. Maybe, but it wasn't before you lot
came, so please go back to Glasgow.”
Another anticipated the violence during his commute to work on Wednesday
morning, thanks to “The sight of car after car-load of jolly Scots parked on
the hard shoulder of the M61, breakfasting on Tennents lager and urinating
in the bushes.”
Many residents saw it as yet another example of the deterioration in
Anglo-Scots relations. “All we needed was Mel Gibson in front shouting
‘Freedom!' and this mob would be marching to Derby,” said one. The wearing
of Union Jack hats by the invaders must have made it all the more confusing
for the beleaguered Mancunians. Still, the fault was laid at Holyrood's
door: “When will the Scottish parliament pay for the clean-up of their
filth? When will they apologise to Manchester?” asked one reader.
Such views will not be confined to Lancashire. Scenes of wobbly-bellied,
snarling Scots stamping on a policeman's head were beamed around the world
on the BBC and Yahoo news websites and Sky TV, while Radio Five Live
broadcast eyewitness accounts of the mayhem through the night.
One man who clearly didn't pay much attention to the coverage, perhaps because
he withdrew from the world in disappointment after the defeat, was Murdo
Fraser, deputy leader of the Conservative group in Holyrood. Fraser is best
known as a hang 'em and flog 'em Tory of the old school despite his relative
youth, but for a moment he appeared to defect to the Socialist Workers
party. The fascist pigs were to blame, apparently: “There are serious
questions to be asked in terms of policing - if there was an overreaction in
deploying riot police which could have inflamed the situation.”
Fraser later tempered these comments when faced with the CCTV images of fans
kicking PC Mick Regan after he fell while attempting to escape a shower of
missiles. Fraser should not have needed this evidence, but he was not alone
in denial. Stephen Smith of the Rangers Supporters Trust condemned the
loutish behaviour as “utterly inexcusable” and the work of a tiny minority.
But he couldn't resist a dig at rivals when he said that, if identified,
Rangers would take action - “unlike other clubs who have failed to punish
their fans for their bad behavior”. Attack is the best form of defence, but
this was inappropriate and poorly timed, particularly as Smith also
condemned the “heavy-handed police tactics”.
He is at least representative. Acres of newsprint and vast expanses of
cyberspace last week were taken up by Rangers fans blaming the police for
the violence and Manchester for being “unprepared” for the invasion. Less
sympathy was expressed for the 15 injured officers or the stabbed Zenit fan.
Instead of blaming everyone else, we should admit there is a problem within
the Rangers support, some of whom - like those England fans of yore - have a
master-race mentality. That is why the club was censured by Uefa for
violence at Villarreal two years ago. That is why Spanish riot police
charged at their supporters in Pamplona last year. Heavy-handedness was also
blamed then. It is time for the majority of fans we are told are honourable
to learn from the tartan army and adopt selfpolicing. Any supporter who
steps out of line - and that includes sectarian chanting - should be
challenged immediately by others in order to uphold the reputation of the
group.
The really sad thing is that, for once, Rangers had most of the nation behind
them. The colourful, carnival atmosphere in both Glasgow and Manchester
suggested a corner had been turned. This is a team whose supporters sing a
song about how everybody hates us but we don't care. Perhaps not everybody
in Scotland loved them unreservedly last week, but most wished them well.
When my own little girl declared that she was supporting Rangers because they
were the Scottish team, I encouraged her. I was moved by a radio interview
with a very emotional Ally McCoist ahead of the game. The Rangers assistant
manager, who was speaking to an equally choked Chick Young, talked with the
simple honesty of a small boy about his late father, who could not share the
moment with him.
McCoist, like his boss Walter Smith, is a fantastic ambassador for the
Scottish game. He made me forget that time a bunch of Rangers fans started
shouting the C-word at my then eight-year-old daughter because they
recognised her father, a well-known musician with an Irish Catholic name. I
even forgot, temporarily, the more recent incident when Rangers fans tried
to derail the underground train on which I was travelling, bouncing
rhythmically to chants about Fenian scum.
I was one of many Scots who set aside old divisions and rooted for Rangers
last Wednesday. Our goodwill was abused. Now we are all tarnished by the
same filth that littered the streets of Manchester.
joan.mcalpine@sunday-times.co.uk
The rioting was deplorable, no right minded human being could deny that.
The issue I have with what has been written above is since when did flying the colours of the union become sectarian?
The last time I looked at a map I stayed in a country that was part of the U.K.
s. york, glasgow,
Would you expect anything different from the UVA supporting DOBs or Huns?
Sean Moloney, Derry, Ireland
Erm... that was 26 Celtic supporters arrested in Blackburn, but why let FACTS get in the way of a good story.
Some Rangers fans may think even-stevens when it comes to old-firm troubles, but they'll find that opinion an isolated one.
"No-one likes us..."
Have you ever wondered WHY?????
John , Shaftesbury,
Perhaps it was the chanting of 'UVF, UVF' that was sectarian, rather than wearing the Union Flag.
David Leslie, Perth, Scotland
Rangers have consistently shamed Scotland. Even this season, their behaviour in Barcelona was so poor that it forced a reaction from the local council who have forced the police to get tough with all visiting fans. As usual the Rangers fans have ruined it for decent fans.
Austin, Glasgow, Scotland
Rangers have encouraged this mentality by for example flying the Union flag and producing orange strips. Also why have UEFA been so silent.
The best way to sort out this club and its bigoted support is to ban it from Europe for at least 5 years.
Andrew, Edinburgh, Scotland
Well thought out article. As Tony of Motherwell says David Murray will do nothing to stop this behaviour as his main interest is his bank account.
The SFA should step in. Ban all flags except the Saltire, ban marches and be hard on bigots.
Will it happen? No. It's David Murray's shame.
R MacDonald, Perth, Scotland
What has the flying of the Union flag got to with sectarianism?
This is the flag of the British Nation !!!
Why do Celtic fans fly the flag of a foreign nation, one that assisted "The Hun" during the 2cd World War.
If you love the old country so much as the song says
"Why don't you go home"
John, Edinburgh , Scotland
Excellent article Joan.
Mr.Murray will never condemn his own fans,they are his cash cow,the ones who fuel his ego,the ones who constantly sing filth about the greatest Celtic manager of all time,hear no evil,see no evil,speak no evil Mr.Murray,the whole world is watching you.
Scotland's Shame. RFC
Tony., Motherwell., Scotland.
a disgrace to our club ..and we will now hide our heads in shame again Imagine using language like that to a child or any living being disgraceful
Mary Belfast
mary Savage, Belfast, N Ireland
So flying the Union flag is now sectarian!! Poor, poor Britain. Glad I left. In their UEFA tie at Blacburn a few years ago 58 Celtic supporters were arrested. That's more than the entire season at Blackburn. Funny how the press never reported that.
Iain Kernahan, Johannesburg, South Africa
A Brown.The Sash and Derry's Walls are not sectarian actually. Singing songs about the IRA is and is disgusting. What do you feel about that. I await your response with baited breath.
Iain Kernahan, Johannesburg, South Africa
Incidentally, have The Sunday Times not yet worked out how to use an apostrophe?
G. Smith, Glasgow,
Rangers fans have been told that The Sash, Derry's Walls and the majority of their anti-catholic songs are NOT sectarian. Therefore they sing them all over Scotland every week. How normal minded supporters continue to follow follow them while protesting open minded innocence is beyond me.
A Brown, Edinburgh, UK
I have to agree with Brian from Barcelona whole heartedly. I am totally amazed with all these crack downs on sectarian behaviour that the Orange Parade is still allowed to take place. It is rather blatently sectarian and should be banned immediately. As for the "minority" of Rangers fans.. well...
David Mullen, East Kilbride,
The Unionist sectarian hooliganism of some Glasgow Rangers football supporters has no more to do with Scots in general than indiscriminate English football hooliganism is representative of the English in general.
For the English to indulge their prejudice against us is to jeopardize the Union
Ronald MacDonald, Edinburgh, Scotland
I find it very interesting (and alarming) that some people will not accept responsibility for the 'barbarian' behavior in Manchester. Instead, referring to 'IRA' chants years ago. He views the mayhem as a math problem Joan's commentary + IRA chants = Manchester destruction.
Francis O'Donnell, Ormond Beach, USA
I expect those involved in what happened in Manchester are the same morons who either march with or follow the Orange Order in Scotland and in Northern Ireland. If the Scottish government wishes to eradicate this type of behaviour I would suggest a ban on all sectarian parades should be introduced.
Brian, Barcelona,
At last, someone calling a spade a spade.
For over 100 years the media in Scotland were complicit in the shame of Rangers sectarian signing policy, I hope this is the first of many articles and journalists who will tell it as it is with regards to the sectarian filth that is STILL being chanted.
John, Lytham St. Annes,
And when was flying of the union flag sectarian?? Confused last time I checked my passport said I was British. Manchester was ill-prepared for this. It was the equivalent of having Glastonbury in the middle of the city centre then the main headliner pulls out. What's wrong with a field out the city
Billy Davies, Edinburgh, Britain
Joan, This article asks lots of questions about the Scottish Society that still exisits. But I do not think that the politicains, the journalists nor the Club itself will put forward any answers.
To suggest that there was only 200 rioting is rubbish. Look at You Tube posts by fans that were there.!
Mark H, Washington, UK
There seem to be little coverage that 17 rangers fans were arrested at the beamback at ibrox which i heard was twice the usual number arrested at an old firm game, Was this chelsea fans as well. When people see the violence on tv they dont think that its a minority but only disgraceful Rangers fans
Paul, Edinburgh,
Joan is spot on.. Until the Scottish hierarchy including politicians, journalists et al wake up to the specific issue of Rangers bitter sectairianism nothing will change. Rangers shame was not only evidenced through those rioting but by many more singing anti-catholic/Irish songs.
Ian Thomson, St Helens,
An excellent article but one that will be rubbished by the Rangers hierarchy , the Rangers fans and most of the Scottish media. Even if it was ' a couple of hundred morons ' who attached themselves to the club then they need to acknowledge what it is about their club that attracts them!
Karen Nichols, Tiverton, England
Excellent item.
Not entirely sure Celtic fans are that good when visiting Scots grounds mind, so it is an OF problem, but at least someone is not running to Rangers distorted tune!
Graham, Essex, UK
"We are the people"... is their mantra.... supporting the master-race theory. Well said.
Every You-tube and media video shows Ragers fans singing only sectarian songs. Their songs about Jock Stein and indeed the Irish Potato Famine are vile have NEVER been condemned by their proud club. Racist?
Jim, Lanark, Scotland
I like many were in Manchester, I never saw any trouble however the fact that fans were being sold drink by the barrow load all day is a huge part of 'a minority' of fans causing trouble. There were a large portion of both irish and english along with the scots ! Manchester £20 million better off !
royce, lossiemouth, scotland
That's very objective, Joan!
What I haven't seen in your section regarding sectarianism is the fact that when Celtic fans visited Manchester, they were heard shouting pro-IRA chants. Surprisingly, however, you fail to mention that.
And if there were only 200 rioting, Conway, that's 0.1% of fans.
Barry, Glasgow,
they are scotlands shame and until the scottish red-tops stop pandering to David Murray the problem willl never go away.
Rangers chant "we are the people" I tend to agree you are the only people in Scotland who should distance yourself from the rest of the nation.
tom daly, melbourne, australia
200 people rioting is not a "tiny minority" no matter how they try to cut it it was a disgrace .
Any Scottish team that plays and the fans riot should be heavily fined ,the teams want the fans to be there to support them so the fans are the teams responsibility.
Conway, Edinburgh,
Well said Joan. I also wrongly thought Rangers had turned the corner.
Rangers attract, apparently deliberately, those losers that "nobody likes" who want to vent their frustration in drunkenness and violence.
And the responsible (?) persons - with a big wink at the gallery - say "just a minority"
Joe Mellon, Lodeve, France
It appears that The Times is the only newspaper addressing the issues in an honest way. Good article but it will still not convince the Rangers hieracrhy and media associates that it was more than a few hunderd troublemakers. The images and videos from Wednesday would suggest otherwise.
Hank Chinaski, Los Angeles,
It's also worth noting that a screen broke in Seville too. That didn't drive the Celtic fans to riot. Instead we dealt with it and moved on to another venue. The screen braking was a non event in Seville, where as Rangers use it as an excuse to go on the rampage. They truly are Scotlands shame.
Joe, Glasgow,
The overwhelming majority of the 200,000 Gers fans behaved well. Also, Gers fans had been on nine earlier Euro trips without one arrest. But the closeness of the final to Glasgow allowed a large ned element who do not normally follow the club to pour in. Some might even be banned from Ibrox already.
Frank, Falkirk,
Sad indeed but that, I'm afraid is Rangers. This "tiny minority" mantra which the Scottish media persistently chant seems increasingly hollow, in the face of mounting evidence to the contrary. Racist /Sectarian chanting at every match, yet our press spend the whole week discussing Zenit's racism!
Harry Monroe, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire
Great article Joan. Although as has been mentioned Sir DM should not be exempt from criticism,he has had more than a hand in the perpetuation of Rangers problem. Similarly the Rangers supporters trust are culpable, they who are nothing but the PR wing for the neanderthal element of the RFC support
Chris, Rothesay,
Spot on about "the master race mentality"
Davy, Glasgow,
Joan I agree with most of what you say. However please do not make excuses for David Murray.
Rangers use sectarianism to attract their support. They encourage the wearing of orange and the flying of the Union flag. That has been done by David Murray so he is the 'specific problem'.
Am Balach, Skye,