In the wake of 66 tragic deaths that occurred during the Ibrox Disaster in January 1971, both Rangers and Hibernian football clubs have expressed their strong disapproval of graffiti and stickers that were discovered in the visitor’s section at Ibrox Stadium following last Saturday’s Scottish Premiership game.
A less-than-expected turnout of under 1,000 Hibs fans witnessed their team’s crushing 4-0 defeat. However, the real shock came when it was found that some of the seating had been marred with the number 66—symbolizing the number of lives lost in the devastating crowd crush during a 1971 Rangers vs. Celtic match.
In a haunting twist, photos of “stairway 13,” the very location where the disaster took place, were also affixed to seats. These images were coupled with a highly inappropriate caption that read: “Stairwell Thirteen – it’s the greatest sight that I have ever seen.”
Adding insult to injury, additional graffiti appeared to mock the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and express support for the IRA.
Speaking out on the matter, a spokesperson for Rangers declared, “We unreservedly condemn the offensive graffiti and stickers left by a subset of Hibernian fans at Ibrox today. The 1971 Ibrox Disaster remains a somber chapter in our club’s history, with its impact still being felt by families to this day. To make light of such a tragedy is not just unacceptable but reprehensible. It has no place in any sporting venue, let alone in society at large.”
In their commitment to holding those responsible accountable, Rangers announced plans to collaborate with Hibernian. Hibs, for their part, urged anyone with useful information to reach out via their official website.
A spokesperson for Hibernian weighed in, stating, “Hibernian FC is fully cognizant of the abhorrent graffiti and stickers located in the visitor’s section at Ibrox and strongly denounces the actions of those involved. Rest assured, we will be joining forces with Rangers to pinpoint the individuals responsible, and we will impose the strictest penalties possible on anyone found to be involved.”
In a world where sports should ideally bring us together, it’s disheartening to see the lengths to which some will go to divide us. Let’s hope this incident serves as a wake-up call for everyone to act with more humanity and respect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ibrox graffiti
What was the event that led to the graffiti being left at Ibrox Stadium?
The graffiti and stickers were discovered in the away section at Ibrox Stadium following a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hibernian. The Hibs had lost the game 4-0, and fewer than 1,000 of their supporters were in attendance.
What was the specific nature of the graffiti?
The graffiti included stickers and writing that mocked the tragic Ibrox Disaster of 1971, where 66 fans lost their lives in a crowd crush. The seats were defaced with the number 66, and photos of “stairway 13,” where the tragedy occurred, were stuck to the seats with an inappropriate caption. The graffiti also included derogatory references to the late Queen Elizabeth II and supportive messages for the IRA.
What have Rangers and Hibernian said about the graffiti?
Both clubs have issued strong condemnations of the graffiti. Rangers described it as “outrageous” and “having no place in any football stadium or society as a whole.” Hibernian echoed these sentiments, vowing to take the “most serious action possible” against anyone found to be involved.
How are Rangers and Hibernian responding to the incident?
The clubs are planning to collaborate in identifying those responsible for the graffiti. Hibernian has asked for anyone with information to contact their website, while Rangers have similarly indicated their intent to work with Hibernian to bring the culprits to justice.
Why is the number 66 significant in this context?
The number 66 represents the number of lives lost in the Ibrox Disaster, a tragic event that occurred during a Rangers vs. Celtic game in 1971. A crowd crush led to the deaths, making it a somber chapter in the history of Rangers football club and Scottish sports in general.
Was anyone else apart from Rangers and Hibernian supporters affected by the graffiti?
The graffiti not only disrespects the memory of those lost in the Ibrox Disaster but also affects their families who continue to live with the tragedy. It also involved derogatory remarks about the late Queen Elizabeth II, thus potentially offending a broader audience.
Are there any steps being taken to prevent such incidents in the future?
While the article doesn’t specifically mention preventative measures, the strong statements from both clubs and their intent to identify and punish those responsible may serve as a deterrent for such behavior in the future.
More about Ibrox graffiti
- History of the Ibrox Disaster
- Official Statement from Rangers FC
- Official Statement from Hibernian FC
- Scottish Premiership Overview
- Sportsmanship in Football: An Analysis
- The Legal Consequences of Fan Misbehavior in Sports
- Guidelines for Fan Behavior at Sporting Events
9 comments
Man, this is so messed up. How can ppl even think of making fun of such a tragic event? No room for this in sports or anywhere else.
As a Rangers supporter, I’m absolutely disgusted. The club has been through enough, and families are still affected by the 71 disaster. No place for this kinda nonsense.
Wow, sports rivalry is one thing, but this is crossing so many lines. Hope they catch the idiots who did this.
I can’t even imagine how the families of those lost must feel seeing this. People need to remember sports is about unity, not division and certainly not hate.
seriously? Mocking the death of 66 people? And Queen Elizabeth? Some folks really need to grow up and learn some respect.
Honestly, some people are just plain evil. Who mocks a tragedy? I’m not even a football fan but this is just wrong on so many levels.
This is where fan culture goes wrong. I love a good rivalry but this is just sick. hope both clubs get to the bottom of it and fast.
Strong words from both clubs, as there should be. Would like to know what steps are being taken for prevention though. Words are great but action is needed.
i’ve been to some heated matches but this is next level awful. Hoping justice gets served and quick.