NEW Rangers owner Craig Whyte
has hit out at critics who have
blamed the club for sectarianism.
The Gers supremo has tasked PR
firm Media House with taking a
more aggressive stance against
those who heap condemnation
on the SPL champions.
Media House boss Jack Irvine
said: "What we won't be is
knocked around by kneejerk
politicians and by others across
the city.
"We're drawing a line in the
sand. Sectarianism is a problem
but it is not the sole problem of
Rangers."
The move followed talks
between Whyte and the all-party
Rangers group at Craig Whyte
Westminster, whose members
include Glasgow North-West MP
John Robertson, Northern
Ireland's first minister Peter
Robinson and Advocate General
Lord Wallace of Tankerness.
Irvine said Rangers supported
First Minister Alex Salmond's bid
to rid Scottish society of bigotry
and backed his decision not to
rush through new legislation.
But the PR chief added: "There
are elements in Glasgow and
abroad desperate to lay the
blame for Scotland's ills at the
doors of Ibrox.
"I would have thought these
politically motivated critics might
use their energies to analyse the
chief problems in our society
such as poor education,
unemployment, drugs and youth
crime.
"Respectable Rangers supporters
- and that is the vast majority -
condemn bigotry and
sectarianism but we will not be
the whipping boys for society's
failings.
"For too long, Rangers have
taken it in the neck. Now it's a
new owner, new management,
new rules.
"Craig wants a more robust
challenge to ill-informed critics.
He does not intend for Rangers
to be pushed around."
Irvine didn't name the club's
critics, but he said: "I have a
message for those who would
denigrate Rangers - if you stop
telling lies about us, we'll stop
telling the truth about you."
Central Ayrshire MP Brian
Donohoe, secretary of the all-
party Rangers group, said: "We
should be on the offensive, not
the defensive. Our record is
there to speak for itself.
"This has to be taken forward on
the basis of fairness to all."
Good move by Mr Whyte!
posted on 7/7/11
Just asking,after Cossy's comparison. I'd think quite a lot of people in Britain,not just Rangers fans,would not be "comfortable" with McGuinness "aligning" himself publically with Celtic for obvious reasons. Robinson does not have a background in gunrunning,murder and acts of terror,therefore I think the comparison is a poor one.
posted on 7/7/11
Peter Robinson wants to end sectarianism.
Peter Robinson is a Rangers supporter.
I don't see a problem with that at all
posted on 7/7/11
why dont rangers accept they have the poblem, which they have...
but why do they continually point the finger at others in the face of adversity...
just deal with the issues, you'll earn greater respect in the long run...
the days of the finger pointing must end, surely? arent you as supporters embarrassed that every singel time you have to point accross the city, at other fans, at other clubs etc...
come on...man up rnagers ffs!
posted on 7/7/11
In fairness though, Peter Robinson and the DUP were hardly innocents in stoking the flames.
People grow up, situations change and we learn to move on.
Still don't get why he is involved in helping rid Scotland
of sectarianism when he doesn't exactly have to look far out his window to see the troubles he's charged with curing.
posted on 7/7/11
"its naw us its them" would suggest yous are the finger pointers mate why dont yous "man up" and stop with the denial?
posted on 7/7/11
Hector,I think it should be welcomed that someone with experience of resolution in Ireland's problems should be looking at how we solve the exact same problems in Scotland
posted on 7/7/11
Maybe so, personally though, considering all thats gone on last week, I don't think he's the man, primarily because whatever experience he has he'd be better advised to concetrate on matters that actually effect his teure as 1st minister.
John Hume or Seamus Mallon maybe though, if thats the road you think we should be taking.
posted on 7/7/11
Hector,if you're from Ireland you'll know better than I who'd be best qualified.
Maybe we could get de Chastelain back in have a big disarmament,when we hand in aw oor party tunes
posted on 7/7/11
why dont rangers accept they have the poblem, which they have...
but why do they continually point the finger at others in the face of adversity...
just deal with the issues, you'll earn greater respect in the long run...
the days of the finger pointing must end, surely? arent you as supporters embarrassed that every singel time you have to point accross the city, at other fans, at other clubs etc...
come on...man up rnagers ffs!
___________________________
This is the most ludicrous comment i've yet to read from you. If you actually read the article you will see that Rangers admit we have a problem.
What the club are now looking to do is ensure that the attempts to single out Rangers as the sole protagonists will no longer be tolerated. They have never said that we have no problem or any intention of doing nothing about it.
Your own comment highlights why it is necessary for Rangers to employ these tactics, no mention of the issues that Celtic (or any other club) have for that matter.
Just look at the songs sung by Hearts and Celtic fans at Tynecastle less than 3 months ago. That was the single most shameful game of the season with a manager actually being attacked and fans fighting with the police in the stadium.
posted on 7/7/11
good point westend.
I as a rangers fan can safely say that my club has acknowledged we have a problem and are trying to address it.
If i supported celtic, im not sure i could honestly say the same. Tho with john reid and his cheapshots having left celtic, maybe this will change.
Anyways, well done mr whyte. I applaud you!