Fuming John Gilligan takes aim at Rangers fans as furious UEFA step up Ibrox punishments
10/16/2024 11:42 AM
Interim Rangers chairman John Gilligan has warned some Ibrox supporters against their conduct in a stirring update to fans.
Gilligan stepped into his short-term role as Rangers chairman in September after John Bennett stepped down from his more permanent position on doctor's advice.
The Rangers investor and Ibrox shareholder steps into the role at a time of substantial upheaval, with the club looking to fill four executive roles and appoint a permanent chairman in the weeks and months ahead.
In a special statement to Rangers supporters, John Gilligan has provided an update on the CEO and chairman hunt but also taken aim at unruly fans for the illegal use of pyrotechnics.
John Gilligan takes aim at unruly Rangers fans
John Gilligan has pleaded with Rangers fans over the 'desperately unfair' use of pyrotechnics which has resulted in UEFA fines in the club's opening Europa League clashes.
Scottish football and the wider European game are locked in a debate surrounding the devices, which add colour and atmosphere to matches but are dangerous if misused.
After Rangers were fined over €30k (£25k) for the behaviour of fans in this regard in clashes with Malmo in Sweden and then Lyon at Ibrox, Gilligan has gone public with the club's demands.
The interim Rangers chairman has also pointed to the use of pyrotechnics as being a nuisance for some match-going fans.
"After a fantastic result in Malmo, we were all disappointed with the Europa League result against Lyon, but I was proud to see the supporters staying with Philippe and the team until the final whistle," writes Gilligan.
"The biggest disappointment of that evening, however, was the actions of a small minority of supporters, whose use of pyrotechnics at the match has seen the club fined €13,750 by UEFA.
"This is in addition to a €19,000 fine for a similar incident in the match with Malmo.
"My message is the use of pyrotechnics must stop and stop now at all of our matches home and away!
"Not only could the repercussions become ever-larger for the club, many supporters have difficulty coping with the effects of pyrotechnics, whether that be the smoke or loud bangs they produce.
"It is desperately unfair for any Rangers supporter to come to a match and be affected in such a manner."
'Rangers have CEO & chairman shortlists'
John Gilligan has also been speaking about the ongoing situation at the hierarchy of Ibrox in a stirring statement to supporters.
Following the departures of Creag Robertson, which Gilligan confirmed in the communication, the Gers have been left with several key roles at the top of the club lying vacant.
Gilligan has hit back at suggestions that Rangers are without leadership as a result and insists that the club has a new shortlist with regards the recruitment of a new CEO and chairman.
"With Creag moving on, I have seen some reports of the club being without leadership," said Gilligan.
"I can assure you that is not the case with George Letham and myself, who have deep knowledge of business and our great club, working tirelessly alongside our executive management team to continue to drive the club forward.
"Nils Koppen, our Director of Football Recruitment, highlighted in an interview last week that planning for the January transfer window is well underway.
"On the commercial front, Karim Virani and his team have delivered an outstanding new front of shirt sponsorship deal with the Kindred group, while we have been really pleased with the work done in such a short space of time, by Elior on the catering front.
"The financial uplift in both deals, together with the strong financial oversight and controls actioned by CFO, James Taylor will positively benefit the club going forward.
"Of course, we are determined to fill the Chairman and CEO roles as quickly as possible, and our recruitment consultants have already produced short lists of very strong and experienced candidates for both roles."
