Simon Jordan offers bullish Rangers back up to 'statesman' Michael Beale as he issues Ron Gordon tribute fan demand

Pundit Simon Jordan has backed up Michael Beale's call to Rangers fans to respect the minute's silence in honour of Ron Gordon.

However, he admits that despite the Ibrox boss acting as a "statesman" he can't stop the reaction from fans. The Leith outfit wore black armbands at Livingston on Saturday as they returned to action in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since the US-based businessman's death and plan another celebration of his memory, and will continue their tributes to Gordon at Easter Road on Wednesday with Sunshine on Leith set to play before kick-off with fans invited to take part in a minute's applause.

However, following shameful scenes ahead of the Viaplay Cup final, when large sections of the Rangers support interrupted a similar mark of respect with sectarian chants, Beale has urged fans to be respectful of the tribute. Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan discussed the demand from Beale with host Jim White he admitted the boss was ultimately powerless to stop the reaction from fans pre-match.

He stated the situation reminded him of the reaction of Celtic fans to the passing of the Queen when banners were unveiled by the Parkhead fans mocking the passing. An impassioned Jordan said: "Michael Beale wants his fans to be a credit to the football club, in the same way he wants his players to be, himself to be and his board of directors.

"I don't subscribe that there is any need to bring anything into a minute's silence for the passing of someone. If you don't like it don't be in the stadium for when it happens. Or keep your counsel and have your own silence. I'm sure the people who are doing it will have some very strong rebuttal to that as to why it's justified.

"Hopefully, they won't. Remember we had