The police's role on matchday is straightforward: they act when criminality or public disorder occurs, not as the primary managers of every row in the terraces. That's the job of the club, the stewards and matchday security. If we accept that, the argument that it was all someone else's fault becomes less useful and more of a way to avoid accountability.
Who's responsible on matchday?
Clubs are paid to organise safe events. Stewards are trained to spot trouble, to defuse situations and, where possible, to keep things calm before they escalate. The police come in when those measures fail or when an actual crime or significant public order issue arises. From what has been said, police involvement only happened once fans left the stands and came onto the pitch — that tells you where the threshold for their actions was reached.
That does not let anyone off the hook. If stewards miss signs, if segregation or entry procedures aren't airtight, the club needs to answer for it. Supporters too must remember that we are part of the product on the night; our behaviour matters.
Don't hide behind 'they started it'
It's tempting in the aftermath to point fingers. Yes, there were triggers that prompted reactions, and yes, other fans are not blameless. Saying 'they started it' as a blanket defence just redirects guilt. Few things are simple — but shifting responsibility so we can feel absolved isn't helpful.
Some players and visiting supporters deserve scrutiny, no doubt. But that doesn't erase the need for a clear, public condemnation of disorder from Rangers fans and the club. We've seen the club do that. We should mean it, and act on it.
Role models and consequences
There was a report that one of those involved was a youth football coach who has since been dismissed. If true, it's especially grim — people who work with kids should set a better example. Whatever employment or legal consequences follow, the point remains: behaviour carries consequences, and positions of trust come with higher expectations.
To be fair, this isn't about piling on a particular group. It's about recognising where responsibilities lie, condemning unacceptable conduct and making sure matchdays are safe and respectable. As a Rangers fan I want us to call it out when we get it wrong and support the club when they try to put it right.
Related Articles
About Rangers News Views
Rangers News Views offers daily Glasgow Rangers coverage including match reaction, transfer analysis, SPFL context, tactical breakdowns and opinion-led articles written by supporters for supporters.
