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Rangers urge fans to respect Ibrox disaster tribute

By PA Sport

Friday 30 December 2016 18:02, UK

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 02: Rangers and Celtic fans observe a one minutes silence to mark 40th anniversary of the Ibrox disaster prior to their Clydes
Image: Rangers will hold a minute's silence ahead of kick-off on New Year's Eve to mark the anniversary of the 1971 Ibrox disaster

Rangers have urged supporters to respect the minute's silence in tribute to the victims of the 1971 Ibrox disaster, which will be held ahead of Saturday's Old Firm clash, live on Sky Sports.

The Gers will mark the tragedy, which saw 66 Rangers fans lose their lives following a crush on Stairway 13, before kick-off.

Rangers' honorary president John Greig - who captained the team on the fateful day - and directors from both clubs will pay their respects by laying wreathes outside the stadium at club's memorial statue.

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But Gers are concerned the tense atmosphere sure to be generated by Celtic's first visit to Ibrox since 2012 may see the minute's silence tarnished.

"It is to be hoped the 60 seconds will be observed properly and that decency will prevail over any rivalries," said Rangers in a statement.

"The period of silence is about one thing and one thing only - honouring the memory of the 66 fans who left their homes to go to a football match and never returned.

"Celtic directors will attend the wreath laying ceremony and Rangers acknowledges their wish that supporters observe the minute's silence impeccably."

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In a statement to their own fans, Celtic added: "This Saturday, ahead of the league game between the sides at Ibrox, a minute's silence will be held when supporters of both clubs will be asked to take a moment of quiet reflection and remember the 66 men, women and children who had gone to watch a game of football on January 2, 1971 but who, sadly, did not return home."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Image: Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers said the Ibrox disaster "transcended football"

Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers also said: "The tragedy at Ibrox was one which affected Rangers Football Club and so many other people across Scotland. It transcended football and was an event which also involved Celtic so closely.

"As we have done many times before we will pay our respects on Saturday and remember sincerely those who lost their lives and all those others affected in the most tragic circumstances of 1971."