A police investigation has been launched following an incident during a recent Premiership match between Rangers and Dundee United, where a Dundee United fan is alleged to have mocked the Ibrox disaster. This tragedy, which occurred in January 1971, claimed the lives of 66 fans in a crush on a stairway during an Old Firm match, and continues to evoke deep emotional responses within the football community.
The footage, which has circulated online, reportedly shows a supporter in the away section making gestures that have been interpreted as mocking the loss of life associated with the disaster. Police Scotland has acknowledged the existence of the footage and confirmed that inquiries are ongoing, despite no formal complaints being lodged. A police spokesperson stated, “We are aware of the footage and are carrying out inquiries. No complaints have been received.”
This disturbing episode follows closely on the heels of a previous incident where a Celtic supporter was caught taunting Rangers fans about the Ibrox tragedy during a derby match. That individual faced swift repercussions; he was banned from Parkhead and subsequently lost his job, illustrating that football clubs are increasingly taking a firm stance against such intolerable behaviour.
Rangers have condemned the actions of the Dundee United supporter, describing them as "abhorrent" and "deeply upsetting." A spokesperson for the club emphasised that the Ibrox disaster remains the darkest day in their history, casting a long shadow over many families even decades later. They stated, “The mocking and celebration of any tragedy is abhorrent and has no place in any football stadium or society as a whole,” calling for justice to be served in response to these actions.
This pattern of behaviour is alarming, reflecting a broader issue within Scottish football, where mocking tragedies has become a contentious subject. For instance, Hibernian FC recently banned a supporter for life after similar behaviour during a match against Rangers. The club discovered graffiti and stickers referencing the disaster in their away end, sparking a review of stadium CCTV to identify other individuals involved. Hibernian condemned the act as intolerable, vowing to take appropriate action.
The ramifications of such actions extend beyond the pitch, as they can lead to severe social consequences. The individual implicated in the Celtic fixture was dismissed from his job at Advance Construction Scotland, with the employer stating that his conduct was "completely unacceptable."
As football authorities grapple with these recurring incidents, it becomes increasingly clear that measures must be robustly enforced to curtail offensive behaviour that plays on past tragedies. Fans and clubs alike would benefit from taking a united stand against mockery of such significant and painful histories, fostering an environment of respect within the sport.
The focus now shifts to how the justice system will respond to these disturbing trends, as both police and clubs are urged to act decisively. The hope is that meaningful consequences will deter future incidents, ensuring that the memory of those lost in tragedies like the Ibrox disaster is treated with the dignity and respect it deserves.
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Source: Noah Wire Services