MICHAEL BEALE has called for a united front amongst Rangers supporters after taking objection to the banner that was unfurled during the win over Livingston.
A section of the travelling support displayed a message which read ‘Two trophies in 11 years - uphold the standards that matter’ during the first half of the Premiership fixture.
Rangers went on to secure a 3-0 victory as James Tavernier netted twice and Kemar Roofe also found the target to maintain their unbeaten run since Beale succeeded Giovanni van Bronckhorst as manager in December.
The Englishman will now look to deliver his first silverware in the dugout as he prepares to lead Rangers into the Viaplay Cup final with Celtic this afternoon.
Rangers remain nine points adrift of their Old Firm rivals in the Premiership title race but have the Scottish Cup firmly in their sights ahead of a last-eight fixture with Raith Rovers.
The message in the stands provoked a widespread debate on social media in the aftermath of the match at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
And Beale has revealed that he spoke to those behind the banner in the days that followed as he made a plea for unity ahead of a huge occasion at Hampden.
Beale said: “They reached out to me personally to say it wasn’t but I thought it was, to be honest. I did take it personally.
“It’s one of those things. We have fans all the way around the world. That’s a small minority of our fans, they’re very passionate and I think they do a lot of good things.
“They pay their money and they come and support the team, they’re allowed to voice their opinion.
“I explained that I would have preferred it not to be in that way and at the moment.
“But it’s fine, everyone has their own opinions on the game. It’s important we stick together, it’s important our fans are with us and we’re united because when we are, we’re a very strong club.
“So, it’s fine. The fans are allowed to voice their opinions. I was a fan before I was a manager, so I do get it.”
