Report: why Rangers fans are so split on boycotts
Richard Fillingham
I am really pleased with the
feedback that Ibrox Noise has received recently regarding whether to boycott
away games or not.
feedback that Ibrox Noise has received recently regarding whether to boycott
away games or not.
First the result of the recent
vote which started on Thursday 9 June and finished on Thursday 23 June 2016:
vote which started on Thursday 9 June and finished on Thursday 23 June 2016:
The vote to boycott is: 65% YES and 35% NO
I try to make my articles as
interesting and as informative as I can, however with this boycott topic it
really has split the opinion of our very loyal support. So much so that a poll
to find out the percentage of the fans feelings would probably help everybody
to decide the way forward – and what is best in the long term for our beloved
club. I would like to address the outstanding question for a lot of the Rangers
supporters for the forthcoming season.
interesting and as informative as I can, however with this boycott topic it
really has split the opinion of our very loyal support. So much so that a poll
to find out the percentage of the fans feelings would probably help everybody
to decide the way forward – and what is best in the long term for our beloved
club. I would like to address the outstanding question for a lot of the Rangers
supporters for the forthcoming season.
Ibrox Noise has discovered
through the fans’ polls, comments and replies that we receive, that there is a
definite split of opinions with almost every subject we write about. Some fans
want the past to be exactly that – in the past, and let’s move on! Others say,
“We have to pay the b*st*rds back”, for what they did to us in 2012!
through the fans’ polls, comments and replies that we receive, that there is a
definite split of opinions with almost every subject we write about. Some fans
want the past to be exactly that – in the past, and let’s move on! Others say,
“We have to pay the b*st*rds back”, for what they did to us in 2012!
The best of the comments are:
“Pay some of the swines back who were instrumental in
booting us out. Hit them in the wallet and on the pitch with the possible
exception of Ross County and Kilmarnock.”
booting us out. Hit them in the wallet and on the pitch with the possible
exception of Ross County and Kilmarnock.”
“Time we moved on for me. Need be the “bigger
man” and accept that our opposition fans dislike us for a reason (or
multiple ones). Time to start building bridges again, not burn
the last remnants of them. Stand up, be counted, be respected and most of all,
be decent people. Boycotting incites hatred, hatred leads to trouble. For fans
with young families it’s disgraceful behaviour to witness. Time some of our fan
base grew up and stopped acting like they are in primary school. “But he
did/said this to me”. So what! Be a grown up and deal with it properly. I
support my team on the park and would hate to think an empty away stand has
cost us points. If you can live with that then boycott but losing games are on
you.”
man” and accept that our opposition fans dislike us for a reason (or
multiple ones). Time to start building bridges again, not burn
the last remnants of them. Stand up, be counted, be respected and most of all,
be decent people. Boycotting incites hatred, hatred leads to trouble. For fans
with young families it’s disgraceful behaviour to witness. Time some of our fan
base grew up and stopped acting like they are in primary school. “But he
did/said this to me”. So what! Be a grown up and deal with it properly. I
support my team on the park and would hate to think an empty away stand has
cost us points. If you can live with that then boycott but losing games are on
you.”
“Absolutely spot on… we can’t dwell on the past.
Even though they deserve it we’ll get the flak from the world press.”
Even though they deserve it we’ll get the flak from the world press.”
“We are back where we belong and it is time to get
over what has happened and get behind our team home and away. We can show all
the other clubs that we are the best fans and that we don’t hold grudges and
maybe just maybe we can then move for the good and benefit of Scottish
football.”
over what has happened and get behind our team home and away. We can show all
the other clubs that we are the best fans and that we don’t hold grudges and
maybe just maybe we can then move for the good and benefit of Scottish
football.”
“I agree to boycotting away matches to an extent…but
are we really not going to go to Parkhead??? Or to the grounds of clubs who did
not not vote to put us down to the bottom division?”
are we really not going to go to Parkhead??? Or to the grounds of clubs who did
not not vote to put us down to the bottom division?”
“No one likes us we don’t care. I will never go to
another away game of those teams who threw us out of Scottish football. If they
could they would do it again tomorrow. I can’t see the point of giving them my
money for them to better their clubs when I can spend that money on my own
club.”
another away game of those teams who threw us out of Scottish football. If they
could they would do it again tomorrow. I can’t see the point of giving them my
money for them to better their clubs when I can spend that money on my own
club.”
“I agree the Old Firm should have equal allocation for
each other’s ground. But I honestly think it’s time to start moving forward and
support the team. Forget the past few years. We did what we had to do. Now it’s
time to go and smash all of them on the park and we should be there at every
ground to see them do it. I understand why fans want to boycott as they feel
it’s hurting the clubs that kicked us out but c’mon think about it. We DID go
into administration and the rules are the rules. It’s the governing body that
f*ck*d up allowing us to go down and in doing so putting Scottish football into
darkness. We’re the best support in the world. I think we should show everyone
why that is WATP.”
each other’s ground. But I honestly think it’s time to start moving forward and
support the team. Forget the past few years. We did what we had to do. Now it’s
time to go and smash all of them on the park and we should be there at every
ground to see them do it. I understand why fans want to boycott as they feel
it’s hurting the clubs that kicked us out but c’mon think about it. We DID go
into administration and the rules are the rules. It’s the governing body that
f*ck*d up allowing us to go down and in doing so putting Scottish football into
darkness. We’re the best support in the world. I think we should show everyone
why that is WATP.”
“Excellent article! Season tickets at ‘all’ clubs are
at an all-time high due to the Rangers being back! This is a year to showcase what
the Rangers can do and that’s not just the 11 on the park. Rangers have an
immense support and we are the envy of every club in Scotland
and the majority of the UK.
We can get those b*st*rds back by winning trophies. Our team needs us at home
and especially away! Forgive but don’t forget! No55 will be all the sweeter
doing it with our heads held high.”
at an all-time high due to the Rangers being back! This is a year to showcase what
the Rangers can do and that’s not just the 11 on the park. Rangers have an
immense support and we are the envy of every club in Scotland
and the majority of the UK.
We can get those b*st*rds back by winning trophies. Our team needs us at home
and especially away! Forgive but don’t forget! No55 will be all the sweeter
doing it with our heads held high.”
“Envy of every other club is just wrong. I fear with
us being back amongst the big teams our song sheet will get us into trouble.
The thousands singing up to our knees need to think about the trouble it will
bring us.”
us being back amongst the big teams our song sheet will get us into trouble.
The thousands singing up to our knees need to think about the trouble it will
bring us.”
“I will never forgive or forget when you see how much
hate they have for us no way.”
hate they have for us no way.”
“Got to laugh at those saying let’s put it behind us,
move on etc. No chance! They didn’t demote us they kicked us out of Scottish
football altogether because the SFL wouldn’t play their corrupt game and let us
into Div. 2. We had to re-apply for entry and licence! Fortunately the SFL
allowed us into the 4th Division but could have said no, then what? Never forget
and never forgive! Hit them where it hurts, in the wallet!”
move on etc. No chance! They didn’t demote us they kicked us out of Scottish
football altogether because the SFL wouldn’t play their corrupt game and let us
into Div. 2. We had to re-apply for entry and licence! Fortunately the SFL
allowed us into the 4th Division but could have said no, then what? Never forget
and never forgive! Hit them where it hurts, in the wallet!”
“For how long? This is shocking
how separated the fans have become over this issue. Pay them back by becoming Scotland’s No 1
again.”
how separated the fans have become over this issue. Pay them back by becoming Scotland’s No 1
again.”
“The best revenge is to win every away match. Send
them home miserable as we dance in the stands. We need to grow up and move
on…”
them home miserable as we dance in the stands. We need to grow up and move
on…”
“I’ll never forgive and never forget, but rather than
boycott the away games, I’d rather we were there supporting our team, how I’d
love, and they’d hate, to see Rangers fans celebrating a victory at their
grounds. Let’s go to these grounds and rub their faces in it that we’re back
and we’re better.”
boycott the away games, I’d rather we were there supporting our team, how I’d
love, and they’d hate, to see Rangers fans celebrating a victory at their
grounds. Let’s go to these grounds and rub their faces in it that we’re back
and we’re better.”
“It is a very tough choice. There are those who will
follow on anywhere and those who will pick and choose away games. I will miss
the Old Firm games at their place but will be ever present at home and Killie
away as well as lower league cup opposition. I think we should investigate
opportunities to withhold tickets for Hibs and Motherwell games at Ibrox given
what has happened. As long as all Rangers fans turn out in force for every
game, we should be in better shape for it.”
follow on anywhere and those who will pick and choose away games. I will miss
the Old Firm games at their place but will be ever present at home and Killie
away as well as lower league cup opposition. I think we should investigate
opportunities to withhold tickets for Hibs and Motherwell games at Ibrox given
what has happened. As long as all Rangers fans turn out in force for every
game, we should be in better shape for it.”
“Never forgive any of them for their bigoted,
anti-Rangers actions. Have any of the afore
anti-Rangers actions. Have any of the afore
mentioned offenders in this thread asked for
forgiveness? Have any of them offered an apology to Rangers FC? Nope, not a
“hope in hell” of that ever happening. However, the “Mob from
Mordor” are the worst offenders in this scenario and as Tom Pollock asked,
“Are you really going to boycott Parkhead?”. I really don’t think so,
the desperation to obtain a ticket for these matches will be as massive as
ever, this year’s Scottish Cup semi-final proved that for sure. So, forget what
they did? No chance. Forgive them for what they did? Never in a million years,
but always support the Bears, wherever and whoever they play. That’s what Mark,
big Davey and the team as a whole would want too.”
forgiveness? Have any of them offered an apology to Rangers FC? Nope, not a
“hope in hell” of that ever happening. However, the “Mob from
Mordor” are the worst offenders in this scenario and as Tom Pollock asked,
“Are you really going to boycott Parkhead?”. I really don’t think so,
the desperation to obtain a ticket for these matches will be as massive as
ever, this year’s Scottish Cup semi-final proved that for sure. So, forget what
they did? No chance. Forgive them for what they did? Never in a million years,
but always support the Bears, wherever and whoever they play. That’s what Mark,
big Davey and the team as a whole would want too.”
“I voted no. Boycotting away games, imo, will have a
bigger effect on our team than it will the pockets of those who gave us a wee
push when we were on the precipice. Our team needs us. Fans can bring a team’s
performance up a notch or two. Why deny our players this advantage? Buy every
ticket and sing your hearts out! On the 18th and 72nd minute marks, remind the
opposing fans and team who Rangers are and what we represent. Someone more
creative than me can come up with a way to do that but what it must not be is a
song that only reflects badly on Rangers. No need to give them ammunition. How
about a one-minute chant of “You’re not Rangers”? Will remind all
those wee teams of who they are whilst having a wee sly dig at those who
question our history. C’mon the Bears!
bigger effect on our team than it will the pockets of those who gave us a wee
push when we were on the precipice. Our team needs us. Fans can bring a team’s
performance up a notch or two. Why deny our players this advantage? Buy every
ticket and sing your hearts out! On the 18th and 72nd minute marks, remind the
opposing fans and team who Rangers are and what we represent. Someone more
creative than me can come up with a way to do that but what it must not be is a
song that only reflects badly on Rangers. No need to give them ammunition. How
about a one-minute chant of “You’re not Rangers”? Will remind all
those wee teams of who they are whilst having a wee sly dig at those who
question our history. C’mon the Bears!
As an older Rangers fan…who, when he lived in Scotland used to follow Rangers from Southampton
to Aberdeen….do
I think boycotting away games would help our club….the answer is a definite
NO.
to Aberdeen….do
I think boycotting away games would help our club….the answer is a definite
NO.
Here are my reasons why…
1. To win away games, in tight battles, the away fans
did make a difference between winning and losing..
did make a difference between winning and losing..
2.If Rangers fans boycott away matches, it won’t only
affect the leagues other teams but will affect our team, financially also.
affect the leagues other teams but will affect our team, financially also.
3.I believe this would also have a very negative effect
on Scottish football, in general, as the last 4 years have (till Warburton and
Weir arrived, thanks to Dave King).
on Scottish football, in general, as the last 4 years have (till Warburton and
Weir arrived, thanks to Dave King).
4.Scottish football contrary to what the Scum fans
think, would be in a terrible financial mess and that would include Celtic (the
only reason they made any money was because of their free league
championships).
think, would be in a terrible financial mess and that would include Celtic (the
only reason they made any money was because of their free league
championships).
5.As long as we play with other Scottish clubs, we
have to only care about one thing. The Rangers!! and that’s why, our main team
song…Follow, follow, we will follow Rangers, is most important to me,
personally…Boycotting, could be disastrous for us.
have to only care about one thing. The Rangers!! and that’s why, our main team
song…Follow, follow, we will follow Rangers, is most important to me,
personally…Boycotting, could be disastrous for us.
Please, do what’s ALWAYS been done and follow our
team, where ever they play!”
team, where ever they play!”
“Boycott for one season to make a point give the money
to Rangers for investment.”
to Rangers for investment.”
“Superally39 I am with you on this one. Mass boycott
for one year to make sure all the clubs understand our pain on missing out on
the donations of the most loyal supporters in Scotland. And get the supporters
clubs to collect it and invest it back into our club. Bang on brother. WATP”
for one year to make sure all the clubs understand our pain on missing out on
the donations of the most loyal supporters in Scotland. And get the supporters
clubs to collect it and invest it back into our club. Bang on brother. WATP”
“A lot of people have short memories. Four years in
exile in the lower divisions and it’s time to be pals again? Some want us to
build bridges, be “decent” and “grow up.” Seriously? Do
none of you nice, sensible people read papers or keep up with with social
media? The last thing on many non-Rangers supporting minds is bridge building
or the hand of friendship. Hostile would be putting it nicely. And if people
honestly think things will improve if we come crawling back with our tails
between our legs begging for everyone to be our pals will make things ok, they
must be very naïve. Anyone thinking that the last four years has been bad, but
that things can only get better, should wait till they see the hate-fest in
store for us next season. These clubs and (especially) their supporters have no
wish to be our friends. Anyway, a boycott would never be 100% successful or
anything like it. Whatever happens, there will always be thousands of Rangers
supporters at away games, and that means that plenty of others who feel
strongly enough can boycott without feeling that the team’s being abandoned. We
should be giving these teams as little as we can, just like we said we would 4
years ago. It’s a sad situation, but if Scottish football is to be repaired,
the onus must be on every team and its supporters to change attitudes and not
just us.”
exile in the lower divisions and it’s time to be pals again? Some want us to
build bridges, be “decent” and “grow up.” Seriously? Do
none of you nice, sensible people read papers or keep up with with social
media? The last thing on many non-Rangers supporting minds is bridge building
or the hand of friendship. Hostile would be putting it nicely. And if people
honestly think things will improve if we come crawling back with our tails
between our legs begging for everyone to be our pals will make things ok, they
must be very naïve. Anyone thinking that the last four years has been bad, but
that things can only get better, should wait till they see the hate-fest in
store for us next season. These clubs and (especially) their supporters have no
wish to be our friends. Anyway, a boycott would never be 100% successful or
anything like it. Whatever happens, there will always be thousands of Rangers
supporters at away games, and that means that plenty of others who feel
strongly enough can boycott without feeling that the team’s being abandoned. We
should be giving these teams as little as we can, just like we said we would 4
years ago. It’s a sad situation, but if Scottish football is to be repaired,
the onus must be on every team and its supporters to change attitudes and not
just us.”
“Some folks hate of other clubs outweigh their love
for the teddy bears. Never mind the boycott p*sh. Take over the towns and
cities like never before. We will need our support more than ever next season
in our first season back. We need to win this league first time of asking.
Second is last.”
for the teddy bears. Never mind the boycott p*sh. Take over the towns and
cities like never before. We will need our support more than ever next season
in our first season back. We need to win this league first time of asking.
Second is last.”
“I am sick to death about people saying move on and be
bigger than they are, well just take 60 seconds, and if you can honestly say
that these clubs and their fans would not want to this day still try to take
our titles away, then you are living in the twilight zone. These morons hate us
for all the things we stand for, and they would have danced on the ashes of our
club. Remember that when your handing over your hard earned cash, they hate
you, and Rangers F.C.”
bigger than they are, well just take 60 seconds, and if you can honestly say
that these clubs and their fans would not want to this day still try to take
our titles away, then you are living in the twilight zone. These morons hate us
for all the things we stand for, and they would have danced on the ashes of our
club. Remember that when your handing over your hard earned cash, they hate
you, and Rangers F.C.”
“There quite simply must be a reaction via a boycott!
Why should we as Rangers fans help other teams by supplying revenue? We cannot
damage the dirty unwashed however all the others would certainly feel the
financial implications of no Rangers away support. We have been away for four
years so a boycott for that length of time would seem appropriate.”
Why should we as Rangers fans help other teams by supplying revenue? We cannot
damage the dirty unwashed however all the others would certainly feel the
financial implications of no Rangers away support. We have been away for four
years so a boycott for that length of time would seem appropriate.”
“Well I’m going to try & get to as many games as I
can & I live in England, I don’t give 2 f*cks for anybody but Rangers, On
the other hand if we petition Mr. King could he open up Ibrox to X amount &
show the away games on the big screens or would the SFA not allow that, just a
thought, but as I said at the start, I just want to see the Rangers!!!”
can & I live in England, I don’t give 2 f*cks for anybody but Rangers, On
the other hand if we petition Mr. King could he open up Ibrox to X amount &
show the away games on the big screens or would the SFA not allow that, just a
thought, but as I said at the start, I just want to see the Rangers!!!”
“Let me ask you all people… What is going to really
irritate these clubs the most? Obviously it’s us winning the league and in
order to do that we have got to travel in our usual masses to these places and
back our team to the end and give the opponents some hell too by making us loud
and clear. Do you really think your Motherwell and Aberdeen fans etc? Are going
to be more annoyed at not getting our ticket money, or us celebrating the title
in the home ground? Come on guys.”
irritate these clubs the most? Obviously it’s us winning the league and in
order to do that we have got to travel in our usual masses to these places and
back our team to the end and give the opponents some hell too by making us loud
and clear. Do you really think your Motherwell and Aberdeen fans etc? Are going
to be more annoyed at not getting our ticket money, or us celebrating the title
in the home ground? Come on guys.”
“Go to the away grounds if you must, but deny them any
income such as programmes, pies and bovril or anything that could be a source
of income to them.”
income such as programmes, pies and bovril or anything that could be a source
of income to them.”
“I like how they put the word RE-APPLIED to get back
into the split, how can a new team RE-APPLY? Surely it would be classed as a
first time application if it were a new team? This sevco nonsense is getting
really old, holding companies and football clubs are two different things, the
mighty Glasgow Rangers are still alive and well and truly kicking their way
back to the top, with an exciting brand of football, a good management team and
a board that actually cares about Rangers. Let’s not boycott and follow follow
to all grounds, yeah don’t buy anything from the ground while there I agree,
but the team needs our support guys, so let’s not forget to help push our team
all the way against these haters and prove once again why we are the most
decorated club in the world!!!”
into the split, how can a new team RE-APPLY? Surely it would be classed as a
first time application if it were a new team? This sevco nonsense is getting
really old, holding companies and football clubs are two different things, the
mighty Glasgow Rangers are still alive and well and truly kicking their way
back to the top, with an exciting brand of football, a good management team and
a board that actually cares about Rangers. Let’s not boycott and follow follow
to all grounds, yeah don’t buy anything from the ground while there I agree,
but the team needs our support guys, so let’s not forget to help push our team
all the way against these haters and prove once again why we are the most
decorated club in the world!!!”
“Boycott definitely! Put your money into Rangers, Dave
King won’t!”
King won’t!”
The fans have made their views clear. While the poll result was pretty heavily weighted in favour of boycotting, nevertheless more qualitative comment results suggest a number of caveats and a more even split of intention.
The only way we will find out how us fans have voted is with our feet next season.