Rangers launches rehabilitation scheme for banned fans

Rangers FC has announced a partnership with Edinburgh-based community justice organisation Sacro to help tackle sectarianism, homophobia and racism.

Its new scheme, Everywhere, Anywhere, Everyone, Anyone, will see fans who have participated in bigoted chants asked to attend educational classes if they wish to return to Ibrox in the future.

Fans making racist or homophobic remarks will also be asked to take part in the scheme.

Rangers chairman Dave King said: “I am delighted and immensely proud to unveil this important and extremely relevant campaign.

“Everyone Anyone is an all-encompassing initiative designed to highlight the similarities between the broad spectrum of supporters worldwide regardless of age, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and health.

“We want to create an environment where everyone feels valued, safe, welcome, and wanted. Supporting Rangers should break down barriers and Ibrox should be a place where diversity, unity and inclusion are strengthened through the friendships football can create.”

Manager Steven Gerrard said: “Rangers is a vital part of the fabric of Scotland and our campaign sends a clear message that no one should be excluded. Supporting Rangers means we are all part of the same family.

“We stand together proudly in support of our club and our diversity.”

Dave Scott, managing director of anti-sectarian charity Nil By Mouth, said: “On paper this all reads well and looks positive. As ever though the proof of the pudding will be in the eating and we will see what happens when the various policies are tested during the season.”

Share icon
Share this article: