Tom English reacts to ‘dismal’ Rangers news as Ibrox concern emerges

Rangers’ ongoing disciplinary issues stemming from last season’s Scottish Cup meeting with Celtic have once again drawn attention, with BBC Sport journalist Tom English criticising the club’s approach to its appeal.

The controversy dates back to the Scottish Cup quarter-final between the Old Firm rivals, when Celtic were handed the entire Broomloan Stand for the fixture.

Rangers ultimately progressed after a goalless 120 minutes was settled by a penalty shootout, but events after the final whistle created a separate disciplinary issue.

Supporters entered the pitch following the match, with both clubs subsequently facing significant punishments. Rangers were hit with a £100,000 fine, restrictions on away supporters at future Old Firm fixtures and an order to play a Scottish Cup match behind closed doors.

The clubs have since appealed aspects of those sanctions, with Rangers particularly concerned about the financial consequences of having to stage a match without supporters.

Tom English questions Rangers’ appeal

English has now made his feelings clear regarding Rangers’ decision to challenge the punishment.

Responding to the latest developments on social media, the BBC journalist questioned whether the club should instead have accepted responsibility for the behaviour of sections of its support.

He wrote: “Too much to hope that they’d accept their share of the blame and send a message to those responsible among their own support.

“Dismal stuff from both sides.”

His comments underline the wider frustration surrounding the disciplinary fallout from the fixture, with the dispute continuing months after the match itself.

Rangers have moved on under Derek McInnes

The current Rangers squad has, of course, had little involvement in the events that led to the punishment.

Derek McInnes was not in charge at the time, but his team has subsequently produced a dramatic turnaround in the rivalry.

Rangers have beaten Celtic twice in the space of a week, securing victories both at Ibrox and Celtic Park and winning the two matches by an aggregate score of 4-0.

Those results have helped shift the mood around the club after a difficult beginning to the campaign.

The Gers will not enter this season’s Scottish Cup until the fourth round in January, meaning the outcome of the appeal should be known well before their next involvement in the competition.

The hearing is scheduled for the end of October, so the issue is likely to fade from the spotlight temporarily before the next chapter of the Old Firm rivalry inevitably brings it back into focus.