Union Bears Statement on Safe Standing

[ian1964 10,595]

Monday, 11 October 2010

 

Union Bears and the 'Scottish football fans for the reintroduction of standing at SPL matches' campaign.

 

As some people may be aware, a campaign regarding the reintroduction of safe standing to Scottish football stadiums was due to commence on the 30 October 2010.

 

Supporters of all clubs have been approached by the organisers and were asked to display banners in their respective stadiums. As one of the perennial goals of The Union Bears is to be allowed to stand at Rangers matches, this campaign was regarded as one that the group as a whole could unite behind in the hope that it could commence discussions and sensible debate on a safe standing area being created at Ibrox.

 

While we have no ties or even remote interest with any other Scottish club and their support, we had no objections to going ahead with the "United Front" required, due to the fact that it stretched simply to displaying a banner with a simple message at the same time as at the grounds of all other participating clubs.

 

It is therefore with great regret that we feel we can no longer show our support to this campaign. Several examples of the organizers being, to phrase it politely, "Less than impartial" have been brought to our attention recently and it is our belief that collaborating with such individuals would jeopardize our relationship with our fellow Rangers supporters.

 

As we still aim to campaign for standing to be brought back to Ibrox but do not wish to compromise our reputation, we have therefore decided to proceed with our own project. This will involve banners being displayed, a petition being set up, requests sent to the club and a Facebook page for Rangers fans to show their support and express their opinions.

 

The group as a whole have, and always will, aspire to opening discussions with the club regarding the issue of safe standing, for a variety of reasons. These include improved atmosphere and displays, broadening of choice for the support, the opportunity for like minded individuals to come together in the same area of the stadium and the club moving in line with many of Europe's forward thinking and progressive clubs.

 

Please allow us to reiterate that this decision is not simply due to group reluctance to co-operate with supporters of other clubs or wishing to remain independent for the sake of it. We are simply disgusted that certain people can ask for and expect a "United Front" whilst displaying such blatantly vile and poisonous bias and actions against our club and support.

 

The Facebook group can be found at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=161440210540495 or if you do not use Facebook then you can stay informed by joining our email list (All you need to do is send an email to RangersSafeStanding@hotmail.co.ukThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with the subject as 'Email Subscription' and you will be added to our list).

[Guest piagio2000]

Standing will never be brought back.

Simply because it is not so easy to control the behaviour of standing supporters as those in numbered seats.

[metlika 0]

Health and safety society of the UK means it will not happen.

[Tannochsidebear 2,352]

It would be interesting to hear a bit more about this, and what UB are referring to when talking about "poisonous bias and actions against our club and support"

 

I knew the Germans had safe standing areas, but wasnt aware of any upcoming campaign on Oct 30.

 

Any more info would be appreciated.