The Rangers Supporters Trust is contacting Strathclyde Police and other authorities ahead of this weekend’s Old Firm match due to the concerns raised by many Rangers fans after last Wednesday’s Ranges/Celtic clash were police appeared to be both heavy-handed and operating to a political agenda.

Rangers fans were NINETY times more likely to be arrested than spectators in the home areas and this cannot be adequately explained by an impartial application of the law and common sense. The suspicion is that other factors are driving police operations inside Parkhead and that this may not be unconnected with the visit to the ground by a delegation of MSPs.

Rangers fans are simply not prepared to be treated like second class citizens for the sake of a political agenda driven by the personal prejudice of a coterie of politicians. The match commander commented that sectarian singing was more noticeable in the Rangers section whereas video evidence clearly demonstrates a high level of vocal support for banned terrorist organisations emanating from the home support throughout the game which did not attract the same methods of policing.

In particular it is interesting to note the high level of arrests compared with previous games - have the police been previously negligent to offences which are in any event covered by existing laws? Also of interest are the numbers of those arrested being released without charge. Would the match commander care to comment on how many of those arrested are actually subject of a report to the fiscal?

The RST is calling for Rangers fans who witnessed abuses of police powers at the CIS League Cup clash to come forward to assist their fellow fans who have been unfairly arrested. A description of any untoward incidents can be sent to the RST at

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/contact.php

and they will hopefully match the evidence to accused persons - by providing evidence you will help to ensure fellow fans are no wrongly convicted.

If there is a repetition of the biased and heavy-handed approach at the forthcoming match at parkhead on Saturday the RST is calling for fans to remain calm whatever the provocation. However, if you are witness to an abuse of police powers please contact the RST with a calm and factual account of the incident citing if you can any officers shoulder badge number. Those arrested should say nothing until released or legal advice has been obtained - and let the RST know of your problems. Videophone evidence may prove crucial.

Tragic incidents in our history means Rangers supporters are more conscious than most groups of fans for the need for good order inside a football stadium - but that principle is no excuse for the exercise of arbitrary power by the authorities. Any serving police officer unhappy at orders issued which are not compatible with impartial enforcement of the law can contact the Trust in complete confidence to let us know of anything untoward.