Bain slams Gers 'minority'
by Alex Livie, 15 May 2008
Rangers chief executive Martin Bain has condemned the ‘small minority’ of fans who ‘soured’ the club’s Uefa Cup final with Zenit St Petersburg.
The Gers were beaten 2-0 by the Russian side, but the events at Eastlands have been overshadowed by scenes in Manchester city centre.
Reports suggest in the region of 200,000 Rangers fans descended upon Manchester and for much of the day the mood was positive.
However, the failure of a big screen erected to show the game in the city centre sparked a change in mood and shocking footage of a police officer being beaten while on the ground has been released.
Rangers have been quick to condemn the minority element, but Bain says the vast majority of the travelling hordes upheld the name of the club.
"The club has had discussions with Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council in view of incidents in the city last night,” Bain said on the club’s official website.
"The police and council praised the behaviour of the overwhelming majority of Rangers fans and estimates suggest there could have been around 200,000 in the city yesterday.
"There was a tremendous atmosphere all around the city and the vast majority deserved credit for the way they behaved.
"The police and council have identified the failure of a big screen in the city as a key point in the evening. We are deeply disappointed that a small minority soured what was great carnival atmosphere and this is a view shared by our fans who travelled in unprecedented numbers to Manchester.
"We would like to thank everyone in Manchester who made such a great effort to welcome our fans to the city yesterday."
Rangers have opted to cancel a procession through Glasgow as a mark of respect to Celtic legend Tommy Burns who passed away this week.
“In light of the tragic news of the death of Tommy Burns, Rangers Football Club has decided it is wholly inappropriate to take part in a public procession through Glasgow,” read a statement from Rangers.
“Therefore the team will travel directly from Glasgow Airport to Ibrox Stadium to acknowledge its supporters in a less public manner.
“The club sends its sincere condolences to the family of Tommy Burns at this very sad time.”