POLICE have returned a controversial banner to the Rangers fans group who unfurled it prior to an Old Firm match against Celtic last month – after failing to establish any criminality.
The banner, which featured the image of Graeme Souness aiming a shotgun, was initially removed by Police Scotland as evidence as they launched a probe into the affair.
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He promised the Government would ‘reflect’ on what happened at Ibrox, saying: “Obviously there was a banner displayed which was unacceptable at the weekend.
“These issues have to be addressed by the clubs themselves but also by the police if they judge it appropriate to do so.
“And that judgement fundamentally rests with the police in that respect.
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He added: “I don’t think that was an appropriate image.
“But it’s for the club to reflect on that issue, to address any issues and for the police to make their judgment about that matter as well.”
Rangers too condemned the banner in a statement after a match which also saw a fan throw a missile at Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.
He said: “Rangers Football Club condemns the actions of the individual who threw a bottle during today’s match.
“This behaviour has no place at our stadium.
“Steps have already been taken to identify the person responsible, and the club will take the strongest possible action once their identity is confirmed.
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“We also acknowledge that the tifo displayed prior to kick-off crossed a line and was unacceptable.”
The issue became a subject of ‘robust discussions’ with club bosses, with fans reps unhappy with that response, claiming that many supporter thought the banner was “edgy rather than offensive” .
They claimed the club “acts quickly to condemn it’s own fans but doesn’t consistently defend them”.
But on Friday, officers confirmed that no criminality had been established.
Various outlets say the banner has been handed back to the supporters group who unfurled it.
The news came as SPFL bosses revealed that three further notices of complaint were being considered against Celtic, Aberdeen and Partick Thistle for instances of pyro.
If found guilty, the offence by Hoops fans prior to their trophy day clash against St Mirren could see thousands of supporters locked out of the ground.
