Rangers fans hit back after paying tribute to ‘coward’ IRA bomber at Celtic game

Rangers fans have mounted their own banner protest blasting Celtic supporters who honoured an IRA bomber.

 

It followed controversy over the Green Brigade’s tribute to Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane this week.

 

McFarlane, who died last Friday, was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 1975 Bayardo Bar explosion which murdered five people. He was also part of the Maze prison escape in 1983.

 

But there was controversy when, hours after his funeral, some Celtic supporters honoured McFarlane at the Hoops’ home clash with Aberdeen.

Their banner read “Óglach Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane”, with a second banner stating: “They said he was a rebel then, he’s a hero now”.

 

Rangers supporters struck back at last night’s Scottish Premiership contest against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

 

Some held up their own banner which read: “He was a coward then and he’s a coward now. Rot in hell Brendan McFarlane.”

 

There have been demands for Police Scotland to investigate the banner at Celtic Park.

 

DUP MLA Phillip Brett, who has written to Celtic’s chief executive Michael Nicholson, the Scottish Football Association and Uefa, said Celtic must resolve the controversy.

 

“That anyone with any sense of morality would seek to define such an individual as a hero is beyond comprehension, but given the display at their stadium, it is incumbent on Celtic Football Club to take immediate action,” he said.

 

“Those culpable for this reprehensible demonstration must be identified, and Police Scotland should investigate the matter under the Terrorism Act 2006.

“The steps they take now will be a clear indication of how gravely they regard the pain and offence caused to innocent victims of terror.

 

“I have written to Celtic Football Club to express my revulsion, and the revulsion of the wider community of the Shankill, at this display and to demand that firm action be taken.

 

“There can be no place in football, or in society, for the glorification of terrorism. We await evidence that Celtic Football Club will act decisively.”