RANGERS ultras have been accused of “cringe” and “shaming Scotland” after unfurling a series of alt-right banners at their Europa League clash with Fenerbahce on Thursday.
Rangers suffered a fourth consecutive defeat at Ibrox – but managed to set up a quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao after a 3-2 penalty shoot-out victory.
Fenerbahce goals in each half of the 90 minutes had wiped out Rangers’ 3-1 first-leg lead.
But while the action on the pitch was taking place, fans in the Rangers stands drew attention with a series of banners echoing far-right talking points.
“Keep woke foreign / ideologies out,” two banners read, while a third added: “Defend Europe”.
Rangers at home to Fenerbahce tonight: "Keep woke foreign. Ideologies out. Defend Europe" 😳 pic.twitter.com/iWEyPDxzJz
— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) March 13, 2025
These banners were revealed directly behind a “Union Bears” banner – a name of a group of Rangers ultras.
On social media, one user shared an image of the banners alongside the Rangers team roster. “Presuming they aren't happy with a multi-ethnic, multi-faith squad...?” they wrote.
Others questioned whether the ultras were unhappy with the impending takeover of Rangers by a consortium comprising the San Francisco 49ers and the billionaire American health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh.
Another user said the banners represented “Scotland’s shame”, while commentator Professor Gerry Hassan wrote: “Congratulations to Rangers beating Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce and qualifying for the Europa League Quarter Finals. Respect for the Rangers fans who got behind their team even when 2-0 down.
“But what does this ridiculous reactionary tosh mean?”
Another user added: “No idea what this even actually means other than a bunch of people with a couple braincells between them throwing out buzzwords.”
“The definition of woke is to be aware of social injustices. What the fuck are these idiots even trying to say? Biggest embarrassment in Scotland,” another said.
Others called it “cringe”, “stupid”, and that it did not speak for them.
Rangers fans had marched to Ibrox ahead of the game, waving pyrotechnics as they went.
Last month, ultras of Rangers rivals Celtic unveiled a pro-Palestine banner in their match against Kilmarnock.
