Rangers fan group The Union Bears has boycotted their section of Ibrox in protest after their banners were not allowed to be displayed during the quarter final match against Raith Rovers.
In last Saturday's Premiership match against Kilmarnock, the group displayed a banner claiming the club's hierarchy had 'taken their eye off the ball' in the wake of title 55 almost two years ago. Tensions have also run high in the wake of Rangers' defeat to Celtic in the Viaplay Cup final, with the club also trailing nine points behind their rivals.
As Rangers kicked off in their Scottish Cup quarter-final with Raith Rovers, the usually loud Union Bears area of the Broomloan Stand was empty. According to the Record Sport, this in protest against the removal of banners for the game.
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The silence was also picked up on live TV coverage of the game as the home side went to take a corner next to the travelling Raith fans.
Viaplay cameras panned to the empty section of the stand, when commentator Rory Hamilton said: "There is the rather empty area where the Union Bears usually bit. We do understand they are the vicinity of the stadium, just outside."
The fans’ group have instead congregated outside Ibrox. Manager Michael Beale recently called for unity from supporters but it appears his plea has been ignored.
In a statement, Rangers claimed the banner was "offensive" and related to the police service.
A spokesperson said: “Rangers refused to allow an offensive banner relating to the police service to be displayed at today’s match.
“The UB elected to absent themselves from the stadium because the Club would not permit the offensive anti-police banner display.”
The Union Bears responded to the incident, saying: "Union Bears had planned to display various legitimate message banners at today’s match highlighting different issues surround our club and support.
"Prior to the match, Police Scotland and Rangers FC jointly removed these materials without our knowledge and blocked access to regular matchday materials.
"From Rangers FC, this is a clear breakdown of trust and an attempt to silence our groups valid concerns. As a consequence, we made they difficult decision to remove active support and not enter the ground as a a group.
"This attempt to suppress the feelings amongst the Rangers support will not be successful, and only stands to confirm the concerns that the fans old."
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