Rangers FC has issued a stern warning to fans in the Ibrox singing section, threatening its future as season ticket renewals for the 2025/26 campaign get underway.
Club officials have made their position crystal clear: if behaviour doesn't improve among supporters in this dedicated area, the section faces potential disbandment or significant restrictions during certain matches next season.
Located in the Copland Front at the traditional "Rangers end," the singing section has become the beating heart of Ibrox's legendary atmosphere. The Union Bears and other vocal supporters have transformed this area into an electric cauldron of noise and passion that has become synonymous with the Rangers matchday experience.
Since its introduction at the start of the 2024/25 season, this vibrant fan hub has ignited both players and supporters alike, particularly during Rangers' thrilling run to the Europa League quarter-finals.
But it's also come with it's flaws, with Rangers being fined by UEFA and issued with a potential partial stadium ban for a "racist/discriminatory" banner during their last-16 tie against Fenerbahce. There's also been numerous incidents of pyrotechnics being unlawfully lit inside Ibrox.
Rangers have now reserved the right to impose a surcharge on season ticket holders in the singing section if the issues continue. This surcharge would cover the additional costs the club incurs from managing the section, including extra security measures.
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A club statement read: "Ibrox is known as one of sport’s most famous arenas, with the atmosphere generated inside our home being the envy of clubs across the globe.
"To further enhance that wonderful atmosphere, since the beginning of the 2024/25 season, Rangers has provided a dedicated singing section located in the Copland Front at the traditional ‘Rangers end’ of Ibrox Stadium, and the noise and colour generated there can only be of benefit to Rangers teams into the future.
"Rangers remains committed to providing a singing section in the Copland Front for the forthcoming 2025/26 season.
"However, the singing section also presents the club with heightened security, safety and regulatory concerns. The issues of concern impact the match going experience for other supporters and have financial and reputational consequences for the club. Accordingly, for the remainder of this season (2024/25), the club will be monitoring the operation of the singing section and the behaviours of groups and individuals who frequent it.
"If the issues of concern continue, the club may reluctantly conclude that it is necessary to withdraw the singing section for season 2025/26 for certain matches or indefinitely if deemed necessary for the safety of our supporters and/or for the benefit of the club. Should this occur, Rangers will be in touch with affected season ticket holders to communicate what (if any) further action will be taken in accordance with section 8 of its Season Ticket Terms and Conditions.
"The club also reserves the right, if the issues persist, to add a surcharge to the singing section to cover the additional costs incurred by the club resulting from these issues, including in the case of serious and/or persistent failure to adhere to the club’s Ground Regulations and/or the club’s Season Ticket Terms and Conditions and /or any code of conduct (as mentioned below).
"Rangers has engaged with some constituents of the singing section on its operation and will consult with others in due course. All supporters located in the singing section will be invited to collaborate on a code of conduct for the area to be introduced for the new season.
"The club would also like to remind supporters of the importance of upholding the same behavioural standards expected of Rangers supporters at Ibrox in attending away matches, both domestically and in Europe.
"The club’s strongest asset is its supporters, and the noise and colour provided by the singing section is hugely appreciated by everyone at the club. However, that backing cannot bring the name of Rangers into any further disrepute, nor compromise spectator safety within Ibrox and the club shall take action it deems necessary to prevent any harm that may be caused."
