THE Rangers followers who protested during the Ladbrokes Premiership game against Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday were simply trying to ensure club directors continue to strive for success at Ibrox.
That was the assessment from Rangers Supporters Association general secretary Claire Wallace yesterday in the wake of controversial action by a number of fans at the weekend match.
The Union Bears group held up banners before kick-off which read: “No Fight. No Pride. Nowhere To Hide. Incompetent On And Off The Pitch. We Deserve Better.”
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Then at the start of the second-half banners were unveiled in the BF1 section of the Broomloan Stand which read: “Mindless Behind The Scenes. Heartless On The Pitch. We Deserve Better.”
The supporters in the singing section also remained silent during a match which Graeme Murty’s side won 2-1 to move back above Aberdeen in second place in the Premiership table.
Their actions were a direct response to the dire performance by Murty’s team in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final seven days earlier.
The Glasgow club were thrashed 4-0 by Celtic in what was their heaviest defeat at Hampden by their city rivals since the final of the same competition back in 1969.
However, the protests have been criticised by many of their fellow fans on internet message boards and radio phone-ins as Rangers are currently attempting to finish runners-up in the top flight.
Many supporters feel they should unite behind the board who are trying to restore stability to the club following years of off-field upheaval and financial mismanagement.
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Wallace believes the group are entitled to make their unhappiness at how the team has performed this season and is being run off the park known.
She expressed the view that their demonstration, which Murty stressed he had no problems with, would underline to the board the standards they must strive to attain.
“It has been a poor season, but I think supporters have a right to vent their frustration,” said Wallace.
“It is an improvement from five years ago. However, in a poor league, being second isn’t a success.
“If we as fans don’t show our frustration it may be seen that we accept the poor performances.
“Our memories are of good times as well as the not so good. I think the protest just shows we as fans want Rangers Football Club to once again be successful.”
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Meanwhile, Kenny Miller and Lee Wallace, the Rangers vice-captain and captain who were suspended last Tuesday pending an investigation into an alleged dressing room bust-up after the semi-final defeat, are still waiting to find out the exact reasons they have been told to stay away from training. The pair are to be informed by letter by the club why the disciplinary action has been taken against them.
It has been suggested that Miller, whose contract expires next month, and Wallace, who has one year left on his deal, won’t play for Rangers again.
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