PHILIPPE Clement has appealed to Rangers ultras not to set off pyrotechnics at the Viaplay Cup semi-final match against Hearts at Hampden on Sunday afternoon.
The Belgian urged followers of the Ibrox club to concentrate on backing his players on the park after the cinch Premiership game against Dundee at Dens Park on Wednesday night was temporarily stopped due to flares triggering fire alarms in the Bob Shankly Stand.
The mass display drew condemnation from Police Scotland, the SFL, the Scottish government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and major stakeholders in the game in this country are set to hold a summit on the growing problem in the coming weeks.
Clement, the Belgian who took over from Michael Beale at Ibrox last month, knows that showpiece cup matches at Hampden often see the hardcore element among a club’s fanbase organise a coordinated display.
The 49-year-old, whose team won their midweek match 5-0 once play resumed to remain five points behind Celtic at the top of the league table, is concerned for the wellbeing of fans and has stressed that flares and smoke bombs are not needed or wanted at football.
“I think I was clear with what I said after the game,” he said. “I loved how we came in to Dundee, had a lot of supporters and a lot of atmosphere. The songs and chants give the team energy.
“But the pyro thing we don’t need. It doesn’t give something extra. It’s dangerous. So if they give all the other things, I’ll be a very satisfied manager.”
“I’ve seen it a lot in the past. But it’s good there are strict rules because we need to avoid the danger for people.”
Meanwhile, Clement has confirmed that Rangers centre half Ben Davies had missed the Dundee match and been replaced by Leon Balogun due to a minor knock.
“He had a small problem,” he said. “The medical staff told me it could be a risk to play him. I don’t want to take risks in those moments to then lose a player for several weeks.
“But we got a good win. It’s always good to get confidence, but it’s never a guarantee. We know it’s a hard challenge against Hearts. We need to keep doing what we’ve been doing.
“We’re just focusing on the game, not thinking about silverware. We’re just focusing on what we need to do, with and without the ball.”
