Rangers break silence on Union Bears banner as club lift lid on 'offensive' police message

Rangers have revealed how they refused to allow an “offensive” banner aimed at Police Scotland into Ibrox Stadium ahead of their Scottish Cup clash against Raith Rovers which resulted in a boycott of ultras group the Union Bears.

Michael Beale’s men strolled to victory against the Fifers but there was the sound of silence for the usually raucous part of the Broomloan Road stand where the supporters group are usually housed in the stadium.

Reports suggested the leader of the group announced their position via megaphone before kick off and then left the stadium. The Union Bears then remained outside the stadium for the duration of the game with Rangers winning 3-0.

And a Rangers spokesperson said: “Rangers refused to allow an offensive banner relating to the police service to be displayed at today’s match. The Union Bears elected to absent themselves from the stadium because the club would not permit the offensive anti-police banner display.”

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