I never thought I would write “Dave King” and “moral obligation” in the same sentence.
However, that’s where we are now on Planet Sevco.
As regular readers will be aware I recently reported that the Johannesburg based convicted criminal was less than happy with his ex-colleagues in the Blue Room.
Consequently, I was confident that the briefing against the board would continue.
As ever it will be necessary to follow follow the money.
I would wager if Dave was made an acceptable offer for his RIOFC shares then the briefing would magically cease.
Meanwhile, this could have all the ingredients of a perfect storm for the Ibrox klanbase.
Here is the full text:
We regret to inform our travelling support that, within the last hour, we have been notified by the French Minister of the Interior, that away fans including corporate guests will not be admitted on Thursday night to the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France.
We understand that there is a “festival of light” planned in the city which will test the policing resource and city infrastructure. As you are aware, we previously underlined to our support that the local authorities in France were being intransigent and initially unwilling to engage.
However, only late last week they agreed that we could have 2200 supporters admitted. The decision to reverse this is bemusing, and extremely frustrating, given the short notice. It beggars belief that 3 days after that decision was taken and 3 days before the match is due to be played, it is our supporters who are now going to be left out of pocket by this decision by the French interior minister.
We empathise with the feeling of supporters, who have made travel plans months in advance. Furthermore, we were allocated tickets several weeks ago, which adds further confusion to the most recent decision to not admit our fans.
Rest assured, we have made representations to UEFA, OL and the French authorities. However, regrettably, this situation is now out with our control.
Nevertheless, we are duty bound to ask all supporters including corporate guests to not travel to France.
We appreciate the frustration of our support and will work to ensure a refund for tickets is processed forthwith.
I think it is fair to say that the People are not taking this well.
Of course, it would be highly unfortunate if some of the People decided to still travel to the French city to savor the ambiance.
Let’s just say that anything Quintessentially British isn’t considered saveur du mois at the moment.
The Ibrox klanbase might consider their washed-out Castore tops to be haute couture.
However, for the sturdy lads in Compagnies républicaines de sécurité they might be considered something of an invitation to action.
Consequently, the klan would be best advised to stay put.
Otherwise, the good folk of Lyon might well witness the unedifying sight of the Dunkirk Spirit.
File under “making friends by not being on the journey”…
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What town, city or country would welcome the staunch statue defenders who indulge in their very own brand of violent and drunken behaviour? The entire world noted how they behaved in Glasgow city centre and that was them celebrating! They probably fear the scenes that could occur if the tribute act lose and the klan go about their business and wreck the joint.
The peepul really are revolting and it’s time they realised what a shameful klub they are. HH
Would love to see The Klan clashing with the CRS.
“festival of light”?
Sounds like Lyon doesn’t want “Everyone Anyone” to put out their lights… a la Manchester.
As for King suddenly ‘finding truth and morals’ at his late stage in life…
he’s a funny guy!
🙂
So basically Mr King is blackmailing the Ibrox board…well that’s a shocker
No matter how you look at it Lyon and UEFA have made a real mess of this.
Within the space of a few days tickets that were promised have now been cancelled and the French authorities have made it clear that no Rangers fans should travel.
What’s caused such a u turn?
This happened when Celtic played at Betis, tickets sold, flights and hotels booked, only to be rescinded a few days before.
Strangely, no media outcry nor no crayoned official statement, although to be fair the only time the Celtic board speak its to criticise our own fans.
Bit disappointed to see comments on your site advocating that Police Scotland become more enthusiastic with their batons Just the sort of policy Mr Higgins would advocate
If Higgins hadn’t been ousted from his job, George Square would not have been allowed to happen.
Of course this has nothing whatsoever to do with the way they conducted themselves in the first leg. The Lyon FC media subjected to vile abuse and death threats etc, just the usual kultural exchange. Lyon fans assaulted in Glasgow. The actual Lyon team bus ,panned and graffitied.
The French put their diplomatic corp, UK wide, on alert. That is really normal.
Despite all this,they will undoubtedly consider themselves the injured party, as per. Ably abetted by their brethren in the media. What is worse for me is that this sense of entitlement ,and playing the victim, is genuinely felt by them, as here in Glasgow that is their norm.
The succulent lamb will be served en masse Tuesday morning. Poor wee lambs.
The festival of light can and will not be overshadowed, by the forces of darkness
It only takes one small candle to obliterate the dark.
What they are reporting in France is the Klan are not welcome. With the festival of lights on the police will be stretched & with the recent behaviour of the Klan on away trips in Europe the interior ministry have decided that the best course of action is not to have them in the city during this festival
I sincerely hope that hundreds of them DO travel.
Because…as someone else said…
The French Polis will show the Glesca Polis how it should be done.
Allez Le Polis Francais…
The Festival of Lights is in honour of the Virgin Mary. No, I’m not making it up.
They’ll probably wash up on the beaches of Normandy, kicking sand from between their six toes demanding entry because ” we didn’t need a passport the last time we visited”. We won ra war, Rool Britanya!.
I hope they do go. Not seen a baton wielded with extreme vigour for a while. Not on these shores anyway. The French might show Police Scotland the way.
I saw a fair few Danish police trying to snap their batons on the heads of a few klan members just about a month ago.
I had never seen a better use of a baton in many a year
If there’s one thing that could threaten a festival of light it’s the dark side .
Understandable decision by the authorities and probably for the safety of the klan, after all didn’t they once die chasing the Lyons ?
Better safe than sorry.
The other lot got their game moved?
We were at home and it was to a weekday afternoon. Hardly beneficial to fans paying for travel n accommodation for the planned game or those who paid but could then not attend.
And the French bitter about Brexit? The festival of light is probably to celebrate the Brits getting tae, well you know where.
Still at least they weren’t racist about it, oh wait, I speak too soon.
No Surrender, Vive le France!