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Rangers Icon Graeme Souness Feels Deeply Betrayed as Ibrox Banner Sparks Outrage and Public Backlash
Rangers legend Graeme Souness has been dragged into a firestorm of controversy following last weekend’s heated Old Firm derby, with outrage stemming from an offensive banner unfurled by fans during the match.
The clash between Rangers and Celtic ended in a 1-1 draw, but much of the post-match focus has shifted from the result to the unsanctioned tifo displayed at Ibrox. Rangers fans in the Copland Stand revealed a banner that depicted Souness holding a shotgun, accompanied by an expletive-laced message aimed at their rivals. While seemingly intended as a provocative show of defiance, the image has ignited intense backlash and sparked condemnation from the club itself.
Rangers quickly issued a statement distancing themselves from the banner, calling it inappropriate and stating that it had “crossed a line” in terms of acceptable supporter conduct. Now, prominent journalist Hugh Keevins has shared strong words about the incident, arguing that Souness — who remains a respected figure within the club’s history — would be both shocked and appalled by the use of his image.
Keevins stated in the *Daily Record* (11 May) that Souness would likely feel “betrayed, embarrassed, and revolted” upon seeing the banner, labeling the act as “identity theft of the worst kind.” According to Keevins, the use of Souness’s likeness without permission in such a manner is not only offensive but also a personal affront to a man who has contributed so much to Rangers.
While supporters may have intended the display to rally the team and fellow fans amid a title race and looming ownership change, the fallout has instead highlighted how such actions can backfire. The banner has not only invited criticism but also damaged the image of a club legend who had no involvement in its creation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder: in modern football, the use of public figures and symbols must be handled with respect and consent. If Rangers fans wish to honor club icons like Souness, future tributes should be done collaboratively and tastefully — not through shock value that risks alienating those they aim to celebrate.
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