I stopped going to Ibrox because of the bigotry I hear there. It wasn’t one particular incident so much as the steady, suffocating background hum of songs and chants I didn’t want to be around — and I couldn’t, in all conscience, join in.

To be clear: I’m not lecturing anyone who still goes. Plenty of people love the place, the atmosphere, the team. I loved it once. But when the mood regularly includes songs that cross the line into sectarian territory, you have to ask yourself what you’re comfortable being part of. For me, that meant stepping away. I’ll admit — and this is awkward to say — that when I did go I could often be swept up and sing along. That’s part of why I wouldn’t stand in judgment of those who keep going; we’re all products of where we grew up and who we hung about with.

Some will say you should simply call out the problem and stay to change it from within. Fair point. Others will say people are too sensitive these days, that some folk are "snowflakes." I get both sides. Truth is, shouting at strangers in a crowd rarely fixes deep social issues. Education and community work do. Until broader change happens in Scotland around sectarianism, addiction and the various forms of prejudice, those songs won’t just vanish overnight.

So what does a supporter do? For me it was simple: I chose not to be part of that environment. If the songs offend you and you’ve tried to change things, walking away is a valid choice. If you still go and try to tackle it in your own way, that’s valid too. The uncomfortable reality is that Scottish football culture has strands that need to be rooted out, and while clubs, authorities and fans can all play a role, real change takes time and proper social education. Until then, everyone has to make their own call about what they can accept on a matchday.

Not a perfect answer, and I don’t pretend it is. Just where I ended up — and why I’m not going back.

Written by Stevie_G_new: 11 April 2026

Tags: squad